Skip to main content

NEXCO to remove ceiling tiles in nine of its Japan expressway tunnels

Central Nippon Expressway Co (NEXCO) East Japan is to remove ceiling tiles in nine of its expressway tunnels in Japan, less than a year after nine people died following the collapse of Sasago tunnel in Yamanashi Prefecture. A company spokesperson has reportedly said that the firm is shutting down the tunnels on the Kan-Etsu Expressway and the Hokuriku Expressway during evenings until July 2013, to enable the removal of the existing tiles. After the Sasago tunnel collapse in December 2012, an emergency inspe
June 3, 2013 Read time: 1 min
Central Nippon Expressway Co (NEXCO) East Japan is to remove ceiling tiles in nine of its expressway tunnels in Japan, less than a year after nine people died following the collapse of Sasago tunnel in Yamanashi Prefecture.

A company spokesperson has reportedly said that the firm is shutting down the tunnels on the Kan-Etsu Expressway and the Hokuriku Expressway during evenings until July 2013, to enable the removal of the existing tiles.

After the Sasago tunnel collapse in December 2012, an emergency inspection of the tunnel’s southbound lane found defects in 670 locations. In around 632 locations, the bolts that fix the ceiling panels to the tunnel were said to be corroded or loose, while there was a crack in the tunnel's concrete ceiling.

Related Content

  • Algeria to engage Japanese government over dispute with Cojaal
    January 14, 2015
    The Algerian government is now talking directly to the Japanese government in an effort to resolve a dispute with sacked Japanese highways consortium Cojaal, In 2006, Cojaal won a US$5 billion deal to build the 359km eastern section of Algeria’s proposed 900km East-West Highway within 40 months. Algeria divided the contract into three sections, with the Chinese company Citic-CRCC winning the central and western sections, which in total was to cost around $6 billion.
  • Hydrodemolition equipment helps Swiss bridge rebuild
    December 2, 2014
    A highway bridge in Switzerland has been refurbished with help from hydrodemolition equipment supplied by Aquajet The firm’s latest Rotolance 2500 was used alongside an Aquacutter 710 VE evolution on the Viaduc de Chillon link, above Lake Geneva. The machines were used by Zurich-based hydrodemolition specialist contractor, Walo Hydrodynamik, to remove more than 25,000m³ of concrete deck on the bridge.
  • Golden opportunities in the MINT - Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, Turkey
    May 21, 2015
    Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, Turkey – Global Report offers up some food for thought about where smart money might be headed within the next several years – David Arminas writes China’s rate of growth may be slowing down, but other South East Asian companies are being quick to offer alternate investment opportunities, notably Indonesia. Nigeria, too, has had issues with security of investment. But there are signs that the government may be getting serious at last about tightening up rules and regulation
  • The Mersey Gateway bridge project continues on schedule
    October 18, 2016
    Work continues on the 2.3km Mersey Gateway signature bridge project close to Liverpool in the UK. David Arminas reports on some of the construction highlights. Under construction is a cable-stayed structure with three towers that will span the Mersey River’s expansive mud flats between the towns of Runcorn and Widnes near Liverpool. Including the approach viaducts on each side, it will be 2.3km long with a river span of 1km. The main bridge deck will be reinforced concrete. The 80m-high central tower will b