[E18] Joshin-Etsu Expressway In-bound) between Saku IC and Usui Karuizawa IC
Notice of all-day lane restrictions due to tunnel renewal work

The latest regulatory information is​ ​DraTra​ ​Please see.

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NEXCO EAST Nagano Construction Office (Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture) will implement lane restrictions all day on the In-bound line between the E18 Joshin-Etsu Expressway (hereinafter referred to as "Joshinetsu Expressway") Saku Interchange (hereinafter referred to as "IC") and the Usui Karuizawa IC due to the renewal work of the aging Akaru-san Tunnel. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we ask that you comply with the speed limit and cooperate in driving safely within the regulated zone.
In addition, due to lane restrictions, traffic congestion is expected to occur mainly on Sundays. If you plan to use the target section, please check the traffic information on websites such as "DraTra", change the time of use, and use it with plenty of time. This is necessary for the safe and comfortable use of Expressway, so we ask for your understanding and cooperation in the construction.

1. 1. Overview of lane regulations

Construction image photo (past construction)

Lane regulation schematic diagram

When driving, please follow local signs, etc., and drive safely.

• Weekday restriction extension: Approx. 2.5 km
• Extension of restrictions on weekends: Approximately 4.0 km (including extension of restrictions on climbing lanes)

2．車線規制区間

Joshinetsu Expressway In-bound Line Saku IC ⇒ Usui Karuizawa IC

3. 3. Lane regulation period

• Lane restrictions will be in place all day, including weekends and holidays.
• During the period of the restrictions, traffic congestion is expected to occur mainly on Sundays. In order to alleviate congestion, we ask for your cooperation in detouring the restricted areas and avoiding peak times.
• The restriction period may change depending on the weather, work progress, etc.
• Actual traffic conditions may differ from predictions due to accidents or weather conditions, so please check the latest traffic information before departing.
• This construction work will include continuous lane restrictions day and night, including weekends and holidays, from late August onwards. More details will be announced separately.
• There are plans for two nighttime road closures during the above period. More details will be announced separately.

Four. Requests when passing special vehicles

Due to this traffic regulation, special vehicles over 3.0m wide will not be able to pass through during the line regulation period. Customers who wish to use the road are asked to take a detour to nearby roads.
In addition, please note that if a special vehicle permission ^(※) has only been obtained for Expressway routes, you will also need to obtain permission for general roads.

• What is special vehicle passage permission?
  Based on the Road Law and the Vehicle Restriction Ordinance, this is a permit required for special vehicles that exceed general restrictions (length, weight, vehicle width, etc.) to pass on public roads.

Five. Overview of Tunnel Reinforcement Work

At the Akagaryuzan Tunnel, located between Saku IC and Usui-Karuizawa IC on the Joshinetsu In-bound, we will be carrying out tunnel reinforcement work to prevent the road surface from rising and being damaged due to the expansion of the ground around the tunnel. This work is necessary to ensure that you can use Expressway safely and comfortably, so we ask for your understanding and cooperation.

[Main construction details]
In order to strengthen the ring-shaped structure of the tunnel, which is subject to excessive force from the surrounding area, concrete (invert) will be installed to improve stability. Specifically, after excavating the road surface, inverts will be installed to reinforce the bottom of the tunnel, and then paving work will be carried out to return the road to a drivable state.

• What is an invert?...The bottom of the tunnel is joined to the inverted arch by concrete, which increases bearing strength and prevents subsidence and deformation.

6. Request when using

1. Due to construction work, lane restrictions will be implemented for approximately 2.5 km on In-bound lane, reducing the current two lanes to one lane. As the lane width is narrower in the lane restriction section, please observe the speed limit, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and take care to avoid rear-end collisions. In addition, lane positions will change as construction work progresses, so please drive with caution.
2. On Saturdays and Sundays, lane restrictions will be implemented on the In-bound lanes around Sakudaira SIC, reducing the number of lanes from the current three to two. When driving, please observe the speed limit, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and be careful to avoid rear-end collisions. In addition, there are vehicles merging onto the main line from Sakudaira SIC, so please drive with caution, paying close attention to what is ahead.
3. Construction vehicles may come and go around the construction site, so please be careful when driving ahead.
4. During the restriction period, traffic flow may become poor due to traffic congestion. Before heading out, please check the latest lane restrictions and traffic information on the websites listed in "7. How to obtain traffic information." Also, please allow yourself plenty of time when traveling.
5. During the construction period, we will use LED information boards and road signs to provide construction regulation information and call attention to driving safely. Please check this information before driving and drive safely.

7. How to obtain traffic information

(1) Guidance by distribution / posting

• Posters, leaflets and digital signage will be posted at nearby toll booths, SA and PA.
• A banner will be posted on the overpass on the Expressway.

(2) Road traffic information that can be obtained before going out

• Expressway renewal project website
• NEXCO EAST Expressway Traffic Information Site "DraTra"
  Real-time information

  [PC] https://www.drivetraffic.jp/

  [Mobile] http://m.drivetraffic.jp/

  Construction regulation information

  [PC] https://www.drivetraffic.jp/construction-regulation
• NEXCO東日本お客さまセンター
  ナビダイヤル　0570-024-024（24時間オペレーターが対応）
  または　03-5308-2424
• 日本道路交通情報センター（JARTIC）の道路交通情報
  全国共通ダイヤル　050-3369-6666
  （携帯短縮ダイヤル　#8011）
  ※全国どこからでも最寄りの情報センターに接続します。
  全国・関東甲信越情報　050-3369-6600
  長野情報　050-3369-6620
  【PC】https://www.jartic.or.jp/

(3) Road traffic information available while using the Expressway

• Road information board
• Highway radio (AM1620kHz)
  The highway radio section is indicated by signs on the Expressway.
• Highway Information Terminal
  Wide-area road information is provided in an easy-to-understand manner on the monitor screens installed in SA / PA.

• Information is also distributed on official X (formerly Twitter) and LINE accounts.
  [X (old Twitter)]
  "NEXCO EAST (Kanto)"
  (@e_nexco_kanto) Real-time traffic information
  "NEXCO EAST (Kanto construction regulations)"
  (@e_nexco_kanto_k) Decision to implement construction regulations
  [LINE]
  "NEXCO EAST" (@e-nexco) Road closures and weather information