【構想から16年】都心アクセス道路着工！札幌北ICと札幌駅周辺を結ぶ5キロの道路×トンネル整備へ＿夏は10分・冬は30分の時間短縮効果も総事業費は1800億円に膨らむ…＜北海道＞

"Let's take a look at the driving image once completed." (Video narration) This is the "City Center Access Road," which will run from near the Sapporo Kita Interchange on the Sapporo-Otaru Expressway towards the center of Sapporo. A new route will be created, connecting the expressway to an underground tunnel and emerging above ground near Sapporo Station. The total length is approximately 5 kilometers, and it is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and improve access to Okadama Airport. The concept first emerged in 2010. The plan has been developed over 16 years by the national government, the Hokkaido prefectural government, and the city government. Finally, on the 1st, construction began on the section of Soseigawa Street from Kita 10-jo to Kita 5-jo. The construction period is 4 years. "Normally, Soseigawa Street has three lanes, but due to the road construction, there is one less lane." (Reporter Koichiro Mizukami) Until July 2027, significant lane restrictions and partial road closures are planned between Kita 10-jo and Kita 7-jo due to the removal of trees and pedestrian bridges, and the construction of detours. Construction of the underground tunnel will begin after 2028 and will connect to the existing Sosei Tunnel. This "City Center Access Road" is expected to reduce travel time by approximately 10 minutes in summer and 30 minutes in winter, raising expectations for improved access. However, the total project cost has increased to 180 billion yen, 1.5 times the initial estimate, due to rising material costs. The completion date is undecided. The full details of the "City Center Access Road," connecting Sapporo's city center to the expressway, have been revealed. Upon completion, travel time is expected to be reduced by up to 30 minutes. The newly constructed section is approximately 4.8 km long. By connecting to the existing Sosei Tunnel, a tunnel of over 6 km, running north-south, will be completed. There will be four entrances/exits on the north side and five on the south side. In particular, an elevated road will connect from the Sapporo Kita Interchange on the Sapporo-Otaru Expressway, allowing direct access to the tunnel. The total project cost is approximately 180 billion yen, and the completion date is yet to be determined. Currently, traffic restrictions such as no right turns are in place due to the construction, so caution is advised when traveling in the area.