This weekend marks the beginning of the Obon holidays for many individuals.
High traffic volume and heavy congestion are expected on Mie’s expressways during this period, as many people travel for leisure or return to their hometowns.

Below are some estimates for congestion on Mie expressways between August 10 and August 19.

 Higashi Meihan Expressway

Nagoya-bound direction:
Beginning August 10: More than 20 kilometers of congestion expected, beginning at the Yokkaichi Inter onramp.

August 15 and August 16: Heavy Congestion of up to 30 kilometers in the same area.

Osaka- and Ise-bound directions

Beginning August 10: More than 10 kilometers of congestion expected, beginning at the Suzuka Inter onramp and the Nishiyama Bus Station.

August 11-August 13: Congestion of up to 20 kilometers expected in the same area.

 Other Highways
Ise Coast (Ise Wangan) Expressway

Yokkaichi-bound direction:
August 11: approximately 15 kilometers of congestion expected beginning at Yokkaichi junction.
August 12: 10 kilometers of congestion expected in the same area
August 13: 5 kilometers of congestion expected in the same area

In order to reduce congestion and prevent traffic accidents, the Mie Police Department will be providing traffic and detour information via expressway signs and radio broadcasts.

Drivers can also get current traffic information through their car navigation systems or by calling the Tsu branch of the:

Japan Road Traffic Information Center at 050-3369-6624 (in japanese).

Drivers should confirm traffic information and plan to depart earlier than normal during this season when using expressways. Each year around this time, there are serious accidents involving drivers that fall asleep behind the wheel or exceed the speed limit as a result of poor planning.

Also, this time of year is extremely hot, making it especially important for drivers to make use of rest areas, take breaks from driving, and limber up between long periods behind the wheel.

Furthermore, rear-end collisions frequently occur during traffic jams. In order to prevent rear-end collisions, please remember to maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, avoid sudden stops, and brake slowly.

Finally, it is extremely dangerous to remain on the road after a traffic accident. In the event of a traffic accident, please use hazard lights, triangular hazard signs and flares to warn other motorists before taking refuge in a safe place, such as behind a guard rail. Also, please use a nearby emergency phone (located on the side of the road) to report any accident.

Please be considerate and safe on the roads to ensure a fun and relaxing summer holiday. Thank you for your cooperation.