Higashikyushu Expressway


The Higashikyushu Expressway is one of the Expressways of Japan from Kitakyūshū to east of Kagoshima linking with the Kyushu Expressway. It runs through the prefectures of Fukuoka, Oita, Miyazaki and the Kagoshima prefectures. The freeway runs entirely on the island of Kyūshū. The total length is 500 km.

Overview

The first section of the expressway was opened to traffic in 1999. As of March 2009 the expressway incomplete in many areas. The next section is scheduled to open in 2010. After this, Most of the incomplete areas will be built according to the New Direct Control System, whereby the burden for construction costs will be shared by the national and local governments and no tolls will be collected. Currently the section between Saiki Interchange and Nobeoka Minami Interchange, and Kanoya Kushira Junction and Sueyoshi Takarabe Interchange operates according to this principle.
The expressway is 4 lanes from Kitakyushu Junction to Kanda Kitakyushu-kūkō Interchange and Hiji Junction to Ōita Miyagawachi Interchange, and 2 lanes for all remaining sections.
The route parallels the Nippō Main Line of Kyushu Railway Company and National Route 10 for much of its length.

History

Between Aburatsu and Natsui Interchanges

Between Natsui Interchange and Kajiki Junction