Shin-Meishin Expressway
Connecting Japan's Heartland: An In-depth Analysis of a Vital Transportation Corridor.
Explore Overview ๐ View Route Details ๐บ๏ธDive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Overview
Strategic Importance
The Shin-Meishin Expressway (ๆฐๅ็ฅ้ซ้้่ทฏ, Shin Meishin Kล-sokudล) is a significant national expressway in Japan, designed to enhance connectivity between Mie Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture. Its strategic placement aims to alleviate traffic congestion on existing routes and facilitate more efficient transportation of goods and people across central Japan.
Geographical Scope
This vital artery connects the Mie Prefecture, extending westward towards the Hyogo Prefecture. As of its last reported status, the expressway is partially operational, with sections still under construction. This phased development is characteristic of large-scale infrastructure projects, ensuring continuous expansion and integration into the national network.
Current Status and Length
As of February 2008, the operational length of the Shin-Meishin Expressway was reported at 49.7 kilometers (approximately 30.9 miles).[1][2] The ongoing construction signifies a commitment to extending its reach and maximizing its utility within Japan's comprehensive transportation system.
Route Details
The Shin-Meishin Expressway is characterized by a network of interchanges (IC), junctions (JCT), service areas (SA), and parking areas (PA), facilitating seamless transit and access. The route is designated as E1A within Japan's expressway numbering system.
Key Route Information
The expressway is designated as E1A and serves as a critical link. Its development involves multiple operational phases and connections to major existing highways.
|
|
|
|---|---|
| ๆฐๅ็ฅ้ซ้้่ทฏ | |
|
|
|
| Route information | |
| Length | 49.7 km (30.9 mi) [1] |
| Location | |
| Country | Japan |
Detailed Route Segments
The following tables detail the interchanges, junctions, service areas, and parking areas along the Shin-Meishin Expressway, categorized by route segment. These elements are critical for understanding the expressway's connectivity and operational scope.
Main Route
| No. | Name | Connections | Dist. from start (km) | Bus stop | Notes | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isewangan Expressway | |||||||
| (29-1) | Yokkaichi JCT | Higashi-Meihan Expressway | 0.0 | Yokkaichi | Mie Prefecture | ||
| 1 | Shin-Yokkaichi JCT | Tokai-Kanjo Expressway | 4.4 | ||||
| 2 | Komono IC | National Route 477 | 12.6 | Komono | |||
| 2-1 | Suzuka PA/SIC | 20.6 | Suzuka | ||||
| 3 | Kameyama-nishi JCT | Kameyama Connection Route (to Higashi-Meihan Expressway) | 27.8 | Kameyama | |||
| TN | Suzuka TN | ||||||
| โ | Tsuchiyama SA/BS | 38.3 | S | Koka | Shiga Prefecture | ||
| 4 | Koka-Tsuchiyama IC | Shiga Pref. Route 340 (Koka-Tsuchiyama Interchange Route) | 41.3 | ||||
| 5 | Konan IC/PA | Shiga Pref. Route 343 (Konan Interchange Route) | 51.5 | ||||
| 6 | Shigaraki IC | Shiga Pref. Route 341 (Shigaraki Interchange Route) | 58.2 | ||||
| 7 | Otsu JCT | Main Route | 69.8 | Otsu | |||
| โ | Shin Otsu SA/Shin Otsu SIC | Shiga Pref. Route 782 (Ujitawara ลishihigashi Route) | โ | Opening Year Undecided | |||
| โ | Ujitawara IC | National Route 307 | 87.8 | โ | Ujitawara | Kyoto Prefecture | |
| โ | Shin Joyo SA | โ | โ | ||||
| 9 | Joyo JCT/IC | Keinawa Expressway National Route 24 (Okubo Bypass) |
94.9 | Joyo | |||
| 10 | Yawata-Kyotanabe JCT/IC | Daini Keihan Road Kyoto Pref. Route 284 (Yawata Interchange Route) |
98.4 | ||||
| Opening Year Undecided | |||||||
| 11 | Takatsuki JCT/IC | Meishin Expressway Osaka Pref. Route 79 (Fushimi-Yanagitani-Takatsuki Route) |
109.1 | โ | Takatsuki | Osaka Prefecture | |
| 12 | Ibaraki-Sendaiji IC/PA | Osaka Pref. Route 1 (Ibaraki-Settsu Route) | 119.0 | โ | Ibaraki | ||
| 13 | Minล-Todoromi IC | National Route 423 Minล Toll Road |
127.1 | โ | Minoh | ||
| 14 | Kawanishi IC | Hyogo Pref. Route 721 (Kawanishi Interchange Route) | 132.7 | โ | Kawanishi | Hyogo Prefecture | |
| 14-1 | Takarazuka-kita SA/SIC | Hyogo Pref. Route 33 (Shiose Takarazuka Route) | 141.5 | โ | Takarazuka | ||
| (5-1) | Kobe JCT | Chugoku Expressway | 149.6 | โ | Kita-ku, Kobe | ||
| Sanyo Expressway | |||||||
Kameyama Connection Route
| No. | Name | Connections | Dist. from start (km) | Notes | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (32-1) | Kameyama JCT | Higashi-Meihan Expressway | 0.0 | Kameyama, Mie Prefecture | |
| 3 | Kameyama-nishi JCT | Main Route | 5.3 | tentative name |
Otsu Connection Route
| No. | Name | Connections | Dist. from start (km) | Notes | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (30-1) | Kusatsu JCT | Meishin Expressway | 0.0 | Kusatsu | Shiga Prefecture | |
| 7-1 | Kusatsu-Tanakami IC | Shiga Pref. Route 342 (Kusatsu-Tanakami Interchange Route) | 1.2 | |||
| 7 | Otsu JCT | Main Route | 3.6 | tentative name | Otsu | |
Infrastructure Operators
The management and operation of Japan's extensive expressway network are divided among several key entities, primarily the regional expressway companies and governmental bodies. The Shin-Meishin Expressway itself is a component of this larger system, managed by entities responsible for its respective sections, reflecting a structured approach to national infrastructure development.
NEXCO Central
Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited (NEXCO Central) oversees a significant portion of Japan's expressway network, primarily in the Chลซbu region. This includes major arteries like the Tลmei Expressway and the Isewangan Expressway, to which the Shin-Meishin Expressway connects. Their role encompasses the construction, maintenance, and operational management of these vital routes, ensuring safety and efficiency for users.
NEXCO West
West Nippon Expressway Company Limited (NEXCO West) manages expressways in the Kansai, Chลซgoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu regions. As the Shin-Meishin Expressway extends towards Hyogo Prefecture, NEXCO West plays a crucial role in its western sections. Their responsibilities mirror those of NEXCO Central, focusing on the development, maintenance, and operational efficiency of the expressway infrastructure under their jurisdiction.
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)
The MLIT provides overarching policy direction and strategic oversight for national transportation infrastructure, including expressways. While regional companies handle day-to-day operations, the MLIT is instrumental in strategic planning, funding allocation, and establishing national standards to ensure a cohesive and effective national road network, integrating regional projects like the Shin-Meishin into the broader national vision.
Developmental Context
Phased Construction
The Shin-Meishin Expressway exemplifies a long-term infrastructure development strategy. Its construction is characterized by a phased approach, with sections opening incrementally as engineering and logistical challenges are overcome. The initial segment connecting Kameyama JCT to Yokkaichi JCT was opened on February 23, 2008, marking a significant milestone in its progression.[1][2]
Ongoing Expansion
A notable aspect of the Shin-Meishin Expressway's development is that a significant portion remains under construction. This ongoing expansion underscores its strategic importance in enhancing regional connectivity across Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo prefectures, and its continuous integration into Japan's national highway system.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "Shin-meishin Expressway" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional transportation or engineering advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding transportation infrastructure, engineering, or logistical planning. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific project needs.
Regarding operational status: Information regarding expressway status, construction phases, and opening dates is based on historical data and may not reflect current real-time conditions. Always consult official sources (e.g., NEXCO websites) for the latest information on traffic, closures, or construction.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.