Japan's new challenge: plans to make freight-only roads underground
Haebom
Over the past 30 years, the proliferation of online shopping has doubled the volume of small package shipments. However, by 2030, it is expected that around 30% of parcels will not be delivered due to labor shortages. This has created an urgent need for automation of logistics systems. Accordingly, an expert panel from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism proposed the development of an automated logistics system connecting Tokyo and Osaka. This system transports goods through highway median strips or underground tunnels and is scheduled to be completed by 2034.
The biggest challenge is cost. According to a survey by construction companies, the cost of building an underground tunnel would be between 7 and 80 billion yen per 10 kilometers, while a system linking Tokyo and Osaka would cost up to 3.7 trillion yen. This is a much higher cost than the 25.4 billion yen per 10 kilometers planned for the ground logistics link in 2000.
“This project will not only solve the logistics crisis, but also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We want to quickly advance discussions on this issue,” said Tetsuo Saito, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Honestly, is it because of my mood that it reminds me of the Third Tokyo from Evangelion more than the environment or anything else?
In Japan as well as in the United States, projects are actually underway to make existing elevated highways underground. In Korea, a recent example of major road undergrounding is the Dongtan section of the Gyeongbu Expressway. On March 28, 2024, the 4.7km section between the Dongtan Junction and Giheung Dongtan Interchange of the Gyeongbu Expressway was straightened, and 1.2km of the section was made underground. This is Korea's first urban highway undergrounding project, and was completed after seven years of construction.
I think the method of determining the use of the road rather than simply securing space and preserving the environment by putting the road underground is impressive. The idea of creating a separate passageway rather than a car road seems somewhat cartoonish. Personally, I think of the undersea tunnel that connects Japan and Korea, and the Asian Highway that connects to Turkicye. Do you remember any cattails? lol
