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Kanetsu Expressway Reopens Inbound, Outbound Lane Remains Closed After Massive Pileup
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A major disruption to travel between Niigata Prefecture and the Tokyo metropolitan area continues as the Kanetsu Expressway remains partially closed following a 67-vehicle accident. While the inbound line reopened on December 28th at 0:45,the outbound lane from Tsukiyono IC to Minakami IC will remain shut down,with officials indicating a full reopening is unlikely in the immediate future.
Deadly Accident causes Significant Delays
The incident, which occurred in Gunma Prefecture, resulted in two fatalities and left 26 people with serious or minor injuries. According to reports,a frozen road surface caused by snowfall was a primary factor in the chain-reaction collision. The Kanetsu Expressway serves as a vital transportation corridor, and the prolonged closure is expected to have a significant impact on regional logistics and travel.
East Nippon Expressway announced the initial reopening of the inbound line, but cautioned that the outbound lane between Tsukiyono IC and Minakami IC will remain closed indefinitely. A senior official stated, “It will be arduous to lift the road closure within the 27th,” suggesting the disruption could extend well into the new year. The sheer scale of the accident – involving 67 vehicles – is complicating recovery efforts.
Outbound Traffic Faces Extended Disruptions
The 67-vehicle pileup on the Kanetsu Expressway began around 3:00 PM on December 27th, triggered by icy conditions following heavy snowfall in Gunma Prefecture. The initial impact involved multiple vehicles losing control on a downhill slope,quickly escalating into a massive chain-reaction collision. Emergency services, including police, fire departments, and self-Defense Forces personnel, were dispatched to the scene. Two individuals were confirmed dead, and 26 others sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe. The outbound lanes from Tsukiyono IC to Minakami IC remain closed as of December 28th, with no firm reopening date established.
Recovery efforts are focused on removing the wreckage of the 67 vehicles involved, a complex and time-consuming process. Authorities are also assessing the structural integrity of the roadway itself, as the impact may have caused damage requiring repairs. East Nippon Expressway is utilizing heavy machinery and coordinating with local authorities to expedite the cleanup. the incident has prompted renewed calls for increased winter road maintenance and improved safety measures on expressways. the cause of the initial loss of control is still under inquiry, but preliminary reports point to black ice as the primary factor. The expressway operator is working to prevent similar incidents by enhancing snow removal operations and increasing the frequency of road condition monitoring.
Assessing the Road to Full Resumption
The full resumption of traffic on the outbound Kanetsu Expressway is dependent on the completion of wreckage removal, road repairs, and a thorough safety inspection. Officials have not provided a specific timeline, but indicate the closure will likely extend into the new year. The accident has significantly impacted regional logistics, causing delays in the transportation of goods and materials. Travelers are strongly advised to seek option routes or postpone travel plans if possible. The Gunma region is experiencing widespread travel disruptions, and the economic impact of the expressway closure is expected to be ample.
The situation remains fluid, and travelers are advised to check for the latest updates before attempting to use the Kanetsu Expressway. The Gunma region is experiencing significant travel disruptions, and
