Traffic Safety Measures | shutoko | Metropolitan Expressway Company Limited.

Adoption of high performance pavement

We have been actively implementing a "high performance pavement" with features such as drainage and noise reduction, in addition to high durability on the Metropolitan Expressway. The pavement is internally porous which allows fast drainage of water on rainy days, thus reducing splashing caused by moving vehicles, and improving the visibility of road surface and lane markings. Furthermore, as the noise generated between the moving tires and road surface is reduced, the noise reflected from the road surface is reduced.

Comparison of drainage (1) — Comparison of drainage

Comparison of road noise (quietness) (1) — Comparison of road noise (quietness)

Comparison of road noise (quietness) (2)

Improvements in lane management at JCT

The lane management method for merging and branching sections aims for a safe and smooth management of lanes adapted to their environment, taking into consideration the traffic conditions, road shape, and traffic jam issues associated with changes for lane management.

Improvement of merging sections

For merging section where a two-lane route and another two-lane route merge to form two lanes, the routes that merge prior to the JCT are narrowed down to one lane, and the two routes with one lane each merge into one route with two lanes.

Image of before the improvement of confluence

Image of after the improvement of confluence

Improvement of branching sections

The branching section that branches from two lanes (or three lanes) to become two lanes, is changed to one lane each that branches to the left and right respectively.

Establishment of facilities for ensuring traffic safety

Measures that instinctively encourage careful driving such as increased visual guidance with "caution-evoking painted pavements" and "curve warning zebra boards" at curve zones where collisions with stationary objects are particularly frequent, and "large alert boards" that map the curves, branches, and mergers have been installed at the Metropolitan Expressway.
In addition, we take due care to ensure safety at all spots by marking "narrow dotted signs" aimed at speed control, installing "branching impact mitigation devices" to prevent serious accidents at branching sections, and installing "congestion trail information boards" before congestion prone spots to alert drivers about rear-end accidents.

Caution-evoking painted pavement

Curve warning zebra boards

Large alert boards

Narrow dotted signs

Branching impact mitigation device

Congestion trail information boards

Awareness raising activities such as traffic safety workshops

In addition to appealing for safe driving, advance vehicle inspections, and avoiding falling objects through measures such as leaflets, posters, and traffic safety campaigns, we are collaborating with 24-hour road safety patrols, police, and related authorities to control the violators violating the Vehicles Regulations Order and the daredevil street racers driving wildly on the Circular Route as if it were a racetrack.

Image of enlightenment activities such as traffic safety workshops

Prohibition of the entry of pedestrians and bicycles on the Metropolitan Expressway

On the Metropolitan Expressway, the entry of pedestrians and bicycles is prohibited (Article 48-11 of the Road Act). The entry of pedestrians is illegal and may lead to serious or even fatal accidents. Abstain from doing so. Also, because the Metropolitan Expressway is exclusively for cars, pedestrians as well as light vehicles such as bicycles, motorized bicycles, and motorcycles at or under 125 cc are not allowed access. If such a pedestrian or vehicle nevertheless enters the Metropolitan Expressway, the police will be informed, the person will be detained, given a warning letter, and strongly discouraged from repeating the offense.

Sign "Do not enter"

Exit prohibiting signage

Kerb stone seal "Do not enter"

Display of LED "☓" sign

LED alert plate, guardrail, etc.

Entry prohibiting signage

Device preventing wrong-way driving (display board and control device)

Tunnel disaster prevention safety measures

The tunnel interior is monitored with the latest disaster prevention safety equipment and safety management system.
In case of a fire in the tunnel, equipment such as information equipment and disaster prevention equipment are controlled in the control room while you are guided to safety and damage is minimized.
In addition, in order to provide a rapid initial response to accidents in the Yamate Tunnel, we are the first Japanese private enterprise to have introduced the emergency motorcycle "Metropolitan Expressway Unit" to increase the safety of the city's longest tunnel.

Water spray equipment

Emergency exit

Fire extinguisher, foam fire hydrants

01. Maintenance & safety measures for the Metropolitan Expressway

02. Traffic Safety Measures