Plans for a new Smart Interchange (IC) on the Kyushu Expressway in Kurume City are progressing after Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism granted the necessary permit for the project on September 18. The area around the Kurume IC has faced repeated closures due to flooding during heavy rains, prompting the city to submit a proposal in July for the new IC as part of its disaster prevention strategy. The ministry approved the proposal on September 6, and the official permit was delivered to Kurume’s mayor by the local MLIT office. With the permit, Kurume City and NEXCO West Japan will now begin site surveys, design, and land acquisition for the project. Mayor Haraguchi expressed his excitement about the rapid progress, noting that the new IC will serve as a critical hub for medical services, logistics, and tourism. Across Japan, Smart ICs are being built to enhance disaster prevention, logistics efficiency, and regional development. In Kyushu, 17 Smart ICs are already operational, with three more planned, including one in Kurume. The most recent Smart IC opened in June between Tosu Junction and Kurume IC, aimed at reducing travel time and supporting local businesses. Source: Kurume City / NHK
Photo from Photo AC
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