Tokyo has officially unveiled the Haneda Line Rebuilt, the Metropolitan Expressway section connecting the city center to Haneda Airport. The line will open to traffic on October 29.
The Haneda Line Rebuilt project covers 1.9 kilometers, stretching from Higashi-Shinagawa Pier to the Samezu reclaimed area. The previous roadway, built over 60 years ago, showed severe corrosion and structural aging.
Engineers elevated the new Haneda Line Rebuilt to 20 meters above sea level, up from three meters. This change improves durability and resilience against the harsh sea air.
Support pillars now feature advanced anti-corrosion materials. Road noise and vibration were reduced using modern engineering techniques, enhancing driver comfort along the Haneda Line Rebuilt.
A maintenance corridor beneath the roadway allows crews to inspect and repair the expressway more efficiently. This corridor is a rare feature in Tokyo’s expressway network.
Ishida Takahiro, Director at the Bureau of Renewal and Construction, said the Haneda Line Rebuilt ensures “safety and peace of mind for the next 100 years.”
The project demonstrates Tokyo’s commitment to modernizing aging infrastructure while minimizing future maintenance costs. It also improves traffic flow to and from Haneda Airport.
Officials note that the Haneda Line Rebuilt sets a standard for durable urban expressways. Future reconstruction projects may adopt similar techniques across the city.
The upgrade balances commuter safety, durability, and long-term resilience. City planners also emphasized environmental considerations during construction, including reduced noise and vibration.
As Tokyo continues to expand, the Haneda Line Rebuilt highlights the importance of modern expressways in connecting urban centers efficiently.
The new Haneda Line Rebuilt is expected to serve as a model for other infrastructure projects nationwide. It combines advanced technology, safety, and commuter convenience in one project.
