The Hokuriku region has severe topographical and natural conditions, which become much severer in winter. The Yuzawa area in Niigata Prefecture, especially, is one of the most famous areas for heavy snows in Japan, while the configuration of this area makes road construction very difficult. In addition, about 20 skiing grounds along the trunk road, Route 17, lead to the increased severity of traffic congestion and accidents in winter. Accordingly, it has been decided to introduce experimentally an advanced road traffic system for the purpose of managing roadways safely and effectively to secure safe and smooth traffic in this area, which has been suffering from extremely severe problems in road management in the snowy Hokuriku region. At present, the introduction of a snow-removal management system and enhanced information system infrastructures with latest telecommunications equipment are in progress, and the Hokuriku Regional Construction Bureau is also planning the implementation of an operation support system, including road patrolling, snow-removal, traffic regulations and so forth. Plans are also under way for the provision of a safe driving support system in snows and blizzards by widening the field of vision, as well as a system for the automatic detection of traffic congestion and accidents.
Samenvatting