Local News

On Jul. 19 (Tue.), Fukuoka City announced the redevelopment of Hakataekimae-dori. This project is part of the ongoing efforts to make the city more pedestrian-friendly, and it is hoped that the redevelopment will make walking along the stretch of road between Hakata Station and Canal City Hakata more enjoyable. Hatakaekimae-dori is the 800-meter-long road which stretches from Hakata Station (Hakata-guchi) to the Gion-machi Nishi intersection (where Hakataekimae-dori meets Kokoutai-doro). The number of car lanes will be reduced from four to two and the sidewalks will be extended, so that the road is 12.5 meters wide (previously 16 meters) and the combined width of the two sidewalks is 14.5 meters (previously 11 meters). Bicycle lanes will also be added to the roads. Since Hakataekimae-dori sees comparatively less traffic (used by 9,000 cars per 12 hours; Kokutai-doro is used by 20,000 cars per 12 hours), the City is not concerned that reducing the number of car lanes will cause traffic congestion. The total cost will be divided between the City and the national government. Construction will start on Jul. 27, and this fiscal year, ¥400 million will be spent to cover 200 meters of the street. The work is scheduled to be completed in 2020. Source: Sankei News, 7/20

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