The only remaining level crossing on the Yamanote Line will be abolished in 2029, and Tokyo will build a land bridge to solve the long-term closure problem
Quick Look
- The only remaining level crossing on Tokyo's Yamanote Line, the Second Nakazato Kiri, has been closed for a long time due to the high number of trains.
- Pedestrians have to wait for a long time.
- The Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Construction is building a land bridge across the Yamanote Line (Urban Planned Road Subsidy Line 92) with a total cost of 2.9 billion yen.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Yamanote Line is Tokyo's core railway line, running around the city center. Due to urban development, most level crossings have been transformed into three-dimensional structures, but the Second Middle Crossing has not yet been demolished due to geographical and planning reasons.
Tokyo Yamanote Line. (File photo)
The JR Yamanote Line, which runs around the center of Tokyo, is a common means of transportation for local residents to commute and tourists to travel. However, there is actually one level crossing on the Yamanote Line that has not yet been demolished, which is the "Dai-chusato Takiri" which is a 5-minute walk from the east exit of Komagome Station in the direction of Tabata. This is the only remaining level crossing on the Yamanote Line after 2005.
Because the trains on the Yamanote Line are so frequent, the level crossing alarm bells are ringing non-stop, and the fences are put down as soon as they are raised. During peak hours, the fences are still down for more than 40 minutes of an hour, so a sign is erected on the site to remind pedestrians that they will have to wait for a long time and please go directly to the detour.
Please read on...
In order to solve the problem, the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Construction is building a land bridge across the Yamanote Line, which belongs to the Urban Planning Road Subsidy Line 92. It was decided at the end of last year and approved by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in March this year, with a total cost of 2.9 billion yen. The foundation work will begin in 2024, and the huge bridge girders have been pushed over the railway tracks in June.
It is expected that this level crossing will be abolished after the road is completed and opened to traffic in 2029. JR East has actively promoted autonomous driving in recent years. As long as the last level crossing of the Yamanote Line is removed, the possibility of autonomous driving will be realized earlier.
No need to draw, no need to grab. Now use the APP to read the news. You are guaranteed to win every day. Click me to download the APP. Click me to see the event details.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Yamanote Line No. 2 Chukari Takiri Level Crossing will be officially abolished after the completion of the land bridge in 2029.
Very likely · Within years
JR East will accelerate the pilot of self-driving trains after all level crossings on the Yamanote Line are abolished
Likely · Within years
Open Questions
- When exactly will the land bridge be opened to traffic?
- Will there be alternatives to serve the original pedestrian access needs?
- Does JR East have a specific timetable to promote autonomous driving on the Yamanote Line?
