Miyazaki Expressway: Connecting Southern Miyazaki Prefecture
The Miyazaki Expressway (Miyazaki Jidōsha-dō) serves as a vital transportation artery in southern Japan, spanning the length of the Miyazaki prefecture. This expressway provides a critical link between the Ebino region and Miyazaki City, connecting travelers to the Higashikyushu Expressway and facilitating movement through major hubs like Kobayashi and Miyakonojō.
Spanning a total distance of 80.7 kilometers (50.1 miles), the route is a key component of the National Highways of Japan and the broader Expressways of Japan network. Since its inception, it has evolved from a series of disconnected segments into a seamless high-speed corridor.
Key Facts
- Total Length: 80.7 km (50.1 mi)
- Operational Period: 1976–present
- Major Termini: Ebino Junction to Miyazaki Interchange
- Management: NEXCO West Japan (since 2005)
- Configuration: 4-lane expressway
History and Development
The development of the Miyazaki Expressway occurred in several strategic phases to ensure connectivity across the prefecture. The journey began on March 4, 1976, with the opening of the Ebino Junction, which linked the route to the Kyushu Expressway via the Takaharu Interchange.
The following years saw rapid expansion:
- March 17, 1981: The section between Takaharu and Miyakonojō Interchanges opened.
- October 29, 1981: The connection from Miyakonojō to the Miyazaki Interchange was completed, making the entire route from Ebino to Miyazaki fully accessible.
- March 25, 2000: The Kiyotake Junction was opened to the east.
A significant administrative shift occurred on October 1, 2005, when the expressway came under the control of NEXCO West Japan following the privatization of the Japan Highway Public Corporation (JH).
Route Infrastructure and Interchanges
The expressway features a variety of access points, including Interchanges (IC) for exiting to local roads, Junctions (JCT) for connecting to other expressways, and Smart Interchanges (SIC). For traveler convenience, the route is equipped with Service Areas (SA), Parking Areas (PA), and various bus stops.
One notable engineering feature is the Tenjin Tunnel, located near the Yamanokuchi Service Area. This tunnel measures 1,670 meters (5,480 ft) in the northbound direction and 1,648 meters (5,407 ft) in the southbound direction.
| No. | Name | Connections | Dist. from Origin (km) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (21) | Ebino JCT | Kyushu Expressway | 0.0 | Origin |
| 1 | Kobayashi IC | Pref. Route 1 | 15.9 | Includes Kirishima SA |
| 2 | Takaharu IC | National Route 221 | 26.5 | Includes Hyūga Takasaki PA |
| 3 | Miyakonojō IC | National Route 10 (Planned) | 46.9 | Includes Yamanokuchi SA/SIA |
| 4 | Tano IC | Pref. Route 28 | 68.0 | |
| (4-1) | Kiyotake JCT | Higashikyushu Expressway | 74.3 | Includes Kiyotake PA |
| 5 | Miyazaki IC | National Route 220 | 80.7 | Connects to Hitotsuba Toll Road |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which company manages the Miyazaki Expressway?
The expressway is managed by NEXCO West Japan, which took control of the route following the privatization of the Japan Highway Public Corporation in 2005.
What are the main cities served by this route?
The expressway provides primary access to the cities of Kobayashi and Miyakonojō, as well as Miyazaki City.
How long is the Tenjin Tunnel?
The Tenjin Tunnel varies slightly by direction: it is 1,670 meters long for northbound traffic and 1,648 meters long for southbound traffic.
Does the expressway connect to other major highways?
Yes, it connects with the Kyushu Expressway at the Ebino Junction and the Higashikyushu Expressway at the Kiyotake Junction.
What is the total length of the Miyazaki Expressway?
The total length of the expressway is 80.7 kilometers (approximately 50.1 miles).