Underpass Entry Restrictions

In the heavy rains of August 2026 in Chiba, two precious lives were lost in underpasses within Chiba City. In response, the Chiba National Highway Office had announced that they would implement preemptive traffic control for underpasses in affected areas whenever a Level 4 heavy rain warning was issued. The autumn rain front, influenced by warm winds from the south feeding into Typhoon No. 24, caused concentrated downpours along the Pacific coast. Chiba City is now implementing the announced underpass entry restrictions. The national government has also taken notice of this nationwide first initiative by the Chiba National Highway Office, deciding to uniformly impose traffic restrictions on national highway underpasses that have experienced flooding at least once in the past. While this was expected to curb damage, an underpass accident occurred in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture. Regardless of whether the road in question was subject to restrictions, caution is necessary for similar incidents across the country. According to traffic experts, it's particularly easy to mistakenly believe you can pass through at night due to the reflection of car headlights. There are also frequent cases where people assume they can go through because the car ahead did, but in reality, only the following cars get caught due to reasons like rising water levels over time. Drivers need to pay attention to weather information and make an effort not to choose the shortest route. It's important to be conscious from before about avoiding low-lying areas like underpasses during rain or at night.