Takumi Kamoshida 
The construction site in Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture on June 16. (©Sankei by Takumi Kamoshida)
East Nippon Expressway Co is conducting construction work to prevent rockfall above the Kitanomaki Tunnel on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway in Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture. On June 16, the site was opened for a tour for about 70 people selected through a lottery.
This project has been ongoing since 2017. In February 2023, work began to remove the rock mass above the tunnel.
'Like a Fortress'
The giant scaffolding, approximately 50 meters high, covers the sheer cliff. During the tour, participants wearing helmets went up the scaffolding. They enjoyed views of the road and surrounding mountains.
A company employee from Nagano Prefecture said, "It was a special experience walking above the road I usually use."
The construction is scheduled to be completed in 2029.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: Takumi Kamoshida, The Sankei Shimbun
