Tokyo, Oct. 6 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s transport ministry on Tuesday released guidelines related to the installation of remote-controlled barriers at underpasses at high risk of flooding to restrict access during heavy rain. The move comes on the heels of a series of deaths at flooded underpasses, including during heavy rain in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, in August. “We will promptly take effective measures to prevent accidents in flooded underpasses, in collaboration with relevant organizations,” transport minister Tatsunori Ibayashi told a press conference. “We will provide comprehensive budgetary support depending on progress in the (barrier installation) project.” According to the ministry, there were 3,841 underpasses across Japan as of the end of March 2025. Under the guidelines, compiled for road administrators, including local governments, underpasses around the country will be categorized into four levels based on flooding risk, with administrators responsible for determining the classification of each underpass. The guidelines call for the installation of barriers at underpasses deemed to be at particularly high risk, especially those where flooding led to casualties or property damage in the past. Traffic will be restricted in advance when weather alerts corresponding to Level 4 emergency warning are issued or when hourly rainfall reached or is expected to reach a certain level. The guidelines also stipulate that traffic restrictions and measures to prevent vehicle entry be put in place when abnormalities are detected for drainage facilities. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
