Renovation work using Japan's first advanced construction method is under way at Sososki Tunnel on the Hokuriku Expressway in Tsuruga. To avoid closing the road to traffic, workers are excavating and pouring concrete in the gap between the tunnel wall and a protective wall.
Sososki Tunnel on the Hokuriku Expressway in Tsuruga, between Tsuruga IC and Kinomoto IC, was completed approximately 40 years ago and has developed cracks and water leaks in its concrete. In response, renovation work is under way using a construction method jointly developed by NEXCO Central Japan and 5 Japanese companies, the first of its kind in Japan.
Under the new method, a protective wall is installed between the tunnel wall and the work area, and the wall is excavated and filled with concrete in the gap. Its key feature is that construction can proceed without closing the road to traffic, and visitors to the site and experts have expressed interest.
Specially Appointed Professor Kawamura (川村) of Kanazawa Institute of Technology, who is evaluating the technology, said that successful completion would be expected to lead to its use at other sites. He indicated that the knowledge gained as Japan's first lining-renewal method could be applied to future projects. Director Yamada (山田) of NEXCO Central Japan's Kanazawa Branch said that he wanted to apply the knowledge gained to future construction work.
Because the project is currently at the testing stage, the road is closed to traffic, but the long-term aim is to carry out the work without a closure. Renovation work at Sososki Tunnel is scheduled to continue through December next year.