Congestion prediction on Expressway during the year-end and New Year period [Hokkaido version]
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- Congestion prediction on Expressway during the year-end and New Year period [Hokkaido version]
The latest regulatory information isDraTraPlease see.
November 26, 2020
East Nippon Expressway Co., Ltd.
Hokkaido Regional Head Office
NEXCO EAST Hokkaido Regional Head Office (Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo) will announce traffic congestion forecasts for Expressway under its Regional Head Office for the New Year's holiday period [Friday, December 26, 2025 to Sunday, January 4, 2026: 10 days].
To alleviate traffic congestion, we ask for your cooperation in "dispersing use" by avoiding busy days and times.
Before you leave, please make use of road information and plan your trip with plenty of time to spare.
Please note that holiday discounts do not apply during the New Year period.
1. Traffic congestion forecast locations
Traffic jams of up to 1km are predicted at the Kitahiroshima Interchange (IC) exit on the E5 Do-O Expressway on Friday, January 2nd and Saturday, January 3rd.
[Congestion forecast locations]
![Image of [Congestion forecast location]](/pressroom/cms_assets/pressroom/2025/11/26/01.jpg)
[Detailed map of Kitahiroshima IC and surrounding ICs]
Please also consider using the ICs before and after.
![[Detailed map of Kitahiroshima IC and surrounding ICs] Please also consider using the ICs before and after.](/pressroom/cms_assets/pressroom/2025/11/26/02.jpg)
| number ※ | Road name | Congested section during peak hours | Head position of traffic jam | Date and time of traffic jam | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 (Fri) | 1/3 (Sat) | |||||
| ① | E5 Hokkaido road | Sapporo Minami Sapporo Minami IC ⇒ Kitahiroshima Kitahiroshima IC (In-In-bound line for Tomakomai Tomakomai) |
Kitahiroshima IC Exit | Time Zone (peak hours) Maximum congestion length |
11:00-14:00 (12 o'clock) 1km |
11:00-13:00 (12 o'clock) 1km |
| ② | Waatsu Watts Smart IC ⇒ Kitahiroshima Kitahiroshima IC (Out-bound for Sapporo Sapporo) |
|||||
- The "numbers" are linked to the numbers on the map above.
2. Comparison of traffic congestion with last year's New Year's holiday period (Hokkaido Regional Head Office jurisdiction)
The traffic congestion figures for 2024 include not only traffic congestion caused by traffic congestion, but also congestion caused by emergency construction, accidents, and road closures due to snowstorms. The number of traffic congestion events due to traffic congestion during the New Year period this fiscal year is predicted to be two, the same as last year.
| Traffic congestion forecast for 2025 December 26th (Friday) - January 4th (Sunday) |
Traffic congestion results 2024 December 26th (Thurs) - January 4th (Sat) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Number of traffic jams over 1km | Twice | 19 times |
| Number of traffic jams due to traffic congestion | Twice | Twice |
3. 3. Information on special websites during busy periods
Special website for traffic congestion periods
NEXCO EAST 's customer website, "DraPla," has set up a special site for traffic congestion periods, which includes a traffic congestion forecast guide and explains tips for avoiding traffic congestion.
Four. Precautions regarding ETC holiday discounts
Holiday discounts will not be applied during the New Year holiday period. Please see below for details.
5. Eliminate wrong-way driving –Expressway are one-way streets –
Driving the wrong way is a dangerous act that can be life-threatening. Please be aware of the following points to avoid causing serious accidents caused by driving the wrong way.
- Please pay close attention to regulatory signs, guide signs, and road markings, and drive in the correct direction.
- U-turns and backing up on Expressway are strictly prohibited.
- If you hear or see information about wrong-way driving, slow down, maintain a sufficient distance, and keep a close eye on the movements of the vehicle ahead.
6. Get road information before and during your trip here!
- DraPla
Click here to collect information on all Expressway. - DraTra
Click here for real-time road information. You can also watch live cameras. - NEXCO EAST Hokkaido Regional Head Office Official X (formerly Twitter) (@e_nexco_kita)
We are currently providing information on road closures, when the closures are expected to be lifted, and event information. - NEXCO EAST Hokkaido Regional Head Office Official LINE
You can receive information on road closures and when road closures are expected to be lifted, as well as search for fares and routes.
- HEARTFUL HIGHWAY ~ Everyone's Manners on Everyone's Highway ~
We introduce our etiquette characters "Manatee" and "Squid Shark" and manners on Expressway.
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