On Nov. 19, Fukuoka City announced plans to include a tunnel in its Urban Expressway extension that will provide direct access to the airport. The tunnel will travel under the oft-congested intersection with National Route 3. The City cited the alleviation of congestion and safety—a tunnel would keep drivers from gawking at airplanes—as the main reasons for using a tunnel. The independent committee tasked with deliberating the extension said efforts would need to be made to keep traffic flowing smoothly during construction. The extension will effectively connect Urban Expressways 2 and 3 (Airport Road), and shave up to10 minutes off of travel time. Construction is slated for completion by fiscal 2024—the same year construction of the new runway will conclude. Source: Yahoo News 11/18
(Photo: provided by the City of Fukuoka)
