Congestion prediction on Expressway during Obon period [Hokkaido version]
~We predict a traffic jam of up to 10km on Doto Expressway (In-bound) on August 15th (Saturday)~
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- Congestion prediction on Expressway during Obon period [Hokkaido version]
The latest regulatory information isDraTraPlease see.
July 17, 2020
East Nippon Expressway Co., Ltd.
Hokkaido Regional Head Office
NEXCO EAST Hokkaido Regional Head Office (Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo) is providing information regarding traffic congestion forecasts on Expressway within its Regional Head Office during the Obon period [August 7th (Fri) to August 16th (Sun), 2026: 10 days].
Holiday discounts will not apply during this period. To help alleviate traffic congestion, we ask for your cooperation in "staggered use" by avoiding peak hours.
1. Major predicted congestion zones (congestion of 5km or more)
Sapporo ⇒ Eastern Hokkaido
- On Thursday, August 13th, between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with a peak at 12:00 PM, traffic congestion occurred Out-bound lanes Doto Expressway from Yubari IC to Mukawa-Hobetsu IC for a maximum distance of 5 km.
Eastern Hokkaido ⇒ Sapporo area
(2)
On Friday, August 14th, between 4 PM and 8 PM, with a peak at 5 PM, traffic congestion occurred In-bound lane Doto Expressway Shimukappu IC to Mukawa-Hobetsu IC for a maximum distance of 5 km.
(3)
On Saturday, August 15th, between 4 PM and 9 PM, with a peak at 6 PM, traffic congestion occurred In-bound lanes Doto Expressway from Tomamu IC to Mukawa-Hobetsu IC, covering a maximum distance of 10 km.
Traffic congestion predicted for sections (traffic congestion of 5km or more)
2. Comparison of traffic congestion during the Obon period last year (Hokkaido Regional Head Office area)
| Maximum traffic length | Traffic congestion forecast for 2026: August 7th (Fri) - August 16th (Sun) | Traffic congestion data for 2025 (August 8th (Fri) - August 17th (Sun)) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic jam prediction count | Total traffic count | Number of traffic jams due to traffic congestion * | |
| Less than 1-5km | 13 times | 12 times | 3 times |
| 5km or more | 3 times | Once | 0 times |
* "Number of traffic jams due to traffic congestion" refers to the number of traffic jams excluding the effects of accidents, etc.
1km以上の渋滞予測の詳細は、別紙【PDF：348KB】をご確認ください。
3. About traffic congestion season special site/traffic forecast guide
Our customer-facing website, "DraPla," has launched a special site for periods of heavy traffic congestion.
We provide traffic congestion forecasts and explanations of tips for avoiding traffic jams, so please make use of them when you go out.
Four. Precautions regarding ETC holiday discounts
To avoid severe traffic congestion, holiday discounts will not be applied during the Obon period.
Please see below for details.
5. Eliminate wrong-way driving –Expressway are one-way streets –
Driving against traffic is a life-threatening act. To avoid serious accidents caused by driving against traffic, please pay attention to the following points.
- 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 Twitter (formerly Twitter) @e_nexco_kita
We are providing information on road closures, expected reopening dates, 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 highway, everyone's manners~
Our company's manners promotion characters, "Manatee" and "Ikanzame," introduce good manners on Expressway.
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Related Sites and Content
If you are looking for information on fares, routes, service areas and parking areas, please click here.
If you are looking for real-time traffic congestion and restriction information, click here.
NEXCO EAST (Road Disaster Prevention Information) Official X
Click here if you are looking for road information such as road closures during disasters.