About the situation of Expressway accompanying the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake
(1st report)

NEXCO EAST Hokkaido Regional Head Office (Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo) would like to inform you about the situation on Expressway in Hokkaido following the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake, which occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2018.
Since the earthquake, emergency inspections and restoration work have been carried out in sections that experienced significant shaking. Once restoration work has been completed and safety has been confirmed, road closures are being gradually lifted while the restoration status of surrounding roads is being checked.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers, and we ask for your understanding and cooperation.

1. Road closures

-As of 1:30 PM on Thursday, September 6th-

1. Closed section
   • E5 Do-O Expressway Sapporo Minami IC-Ebetsu West IC (both directions)
   • E5A Sasson Expressway Sapporo JCT-Sapporo West IC (both directions)
   • E38 Doto Expressway Chitose Eniwa JCT-Shimukappu IC (Both directions)
   • The Dohoku Expressway between Sapporo Minami IC and Sapporo JCT and the Sasson Expressway between Sapporo JCT and Sapporo Nishi IC remain closed due to congestion on surrounding roads caused by a power outage at traffic lights.
2. Part of the interchange is closed
   • E5 Do-O Expressway Kita-Hiroshima IC inlet and outlet (both directions)
   • E5 Do-O Expressway Chitose IC exit (both directions)

2. Overview of the main damage

1. Bumps and cracks in the road surface

   
   

2. Equipment failure due to power outage
   • Some tunnel lighting blackouts, etc.

3. Latest road information

Please check the following websites for the latest road information.

1. NEXCO EAST Road Traffic Information Site "DraTra" (provides nationwide traffic information)
   [Website]
2. Road traffic information from the Japan Road Traffic Information Center (JARTIC)
   [Website]
3. NEXCO EAST Hokkaido Regional Head Office Official Twitter
   @e_nexco_kita