Vital Road and Tunnel Reopen in Wajima After 18 Months of Repairs

In Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, the Nakaya Tunnel has reopened after enduring an 18-month closure caused by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. This 1.3-kilometer tunnel, located on National Highway Route 249, was seriously damaged, with its internal concrete walls collapsing during the seismic event. Just as the repair work was concluding, heavy rains led to further issues on September 21, causing landslides in the areas surrounding the tunnel and temporarily blocking it again.

With the tunnel now open, residents have expressed their optimism about the potential for improved recovery efforts. The tunnel is integral to a 5.5-kilometer section that was recently restored by the Hokuriku Regional Development Bureau, part of the ministry overseeing land and transportation. This newly opened route is the only major road that links the Monzen district of Wajima City to the city center, reducing travel time by as much as 20 minutes compared to the detour that was necessary during the tunnel's closure. According to a 78-year-old local man, although many roads are still in disrepair, accessing shopping centers and hospitals will now be more convenient.