The expressway operator announced on Monday that repairs to a section of expressway in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, severely damaged by a powerful earthquake in July will take at least two years.
According to the operator, the affected section is on a key expressway in the region, where the road surface and infrastructure suffered serious damage from the tremors. Engineers conducted field surveys and assessed the extent of the damage before estimating the repair timeline.
The extended repair period is expected to impact traffic and transport operations in the area, as vehicles will be diverted to alternative routes throughout the construction. The operator said it will make efforts to expedite progress, but emphasized that ensuring safety and quality of the finished structure remains the top priority.
The earthquake in July caused widespread damage in Kumamoto, disrupting multiple transportation infrastructures. Local authorities are also coordinating with relevant agencies to minimize the impact on residents and businesses while waiting for the expressway to be fully restored.
