Nagasaki Expressway: A Vital Transport Link Across Saga and Nagasaki
The Nagasaki Expressway (Nagasaki Jidōsha-dō) serves as a critical artery within the Japanese expressway system, providing a high-speed connection between the Tosu region and the city of Nagasaki. Spanning a total length of 120.4 km (74.8 mi), this route facilitates essential travel through the Saga Prefecture and the southern reaches of the Nagasaki Prefecture.
Connecting major hubs such as Saga, Takeo, Omura, and Isahaya, the expressway integrates seamlessly with the national highway network, making it a cornerstone of logistics and tourism in the Kyushu region.
Key Facts
- Total Length: 120.4 km (74.8 mi)
- Route Span: From Tosu Junction to Nagasaki Interchange
- Operational Period: 1973 to present
- Major Regions: Saga and Nagasaki Prefectures
- Lane Configuration: 4 lanes (Tosu JCT to Nagasaki-Susukizuka IC); 2 lanes (Nagasaki-Susukizuka IC to Nagasaki IC)
Historical Development
The evolution of the Nagasaki Expressway has been a multi-decade project, characterized by incremental openings that gradually connected the region. The journey began on November 16, 1973, with the opening of the section from the Tosu Interchange and Junction to Nankan.
Throughout the 1980s, the network expanded significantly:
- 1982: The section between Nagasaki-Tarami and Omura Interchanges opened.
- 1985: Connectivity improved with the opening of the Saga-Yamato to Tosu section.
- 1987: The Tosu Junction was established in the east, and the Takeo-Kitagata to Saga-Yamato section was completed.
A major milestone occurred on January 26, 1990, when the section from Omura to Takeo-Kitagata opened, finally providing a continuous, gap-free route from Tosu to Nagasaki. This same day saw the opening of the Takeo Junction, linking the expressway to another freeway. In the following decades, infrastructure upgrades such as the expansion to four lanes via the Higashisonogi to Ureshino tunnel (1997) and the completion of the Sagan Cross Bridge at Tosu Junction (2001) further enhanced capacity and connectivity.
Route Infrastructure and Interchanges
The expressway features a variety of access points, including Interchanges (IC) for exiting to local roads, Junctions (JCT) for switching between expressways, Service Areas (SA), and Parking Areas (PA) for traveler rest.
| No. | Name | Connections | Dist. from Origin (km) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (9) | Tosu JCT | Kyushu Expressway, Ōita Expressway | 0.0 | Tosu, Saga |
| 1 | Tosu IC | National Route 3, National Route 34 | 1.2 | Saga |
| 2 | Higashisefuri IC | National Route 385 | 14.8 | Yoshinogari |
| 3 | Saga-Yamato IC | National Route 263 | 26.6 | Saga |
| 4 | Taku IC | National Route 203 | 41.7 | Taku |
| 5 | Takeo-Kitagata IC | National Route 34 | 52.9 | Takeo |
| 6 | Takeo JCT | Nishi-Kyūshū Expressway | 64.3 | - |
| 7 | Ureshino IC | Pref. Route 1 | 68.8 | Ureshino |
| 8 | Higashisonogi IC | National Route 34, National Route 205 | 78.6 | Higashisonogi |
| 9 | Omura IC | National Route 444 | 92.1 | Omura |
| 10 | Isahaya IC | National Route 34, Pref. Route 125 | 104.2 | Isahaya |
| 11 | Nagasaki-Tarami IC | Nagasaki Bypass | 109.1 | Nagasaki |
| 12 | Nagasaki-Susukizuka IC | Pref. Route 116 | 117.4 | Nagasaki |
| 13 | Nagasaki IC | National Route 324, Nagasaki Dejima Road | 120.4 | Nagasaki |
Key Infrastructure Features
- Tawarazaka Tunnel: Located near Ureshino, this tunnel measures 2,656 m for northbound traffic and 2,610 m for southbound traffic.
- Sagan Cross Bridge: Provides critical access to the Kyushu Expressway at the Tosu Junction.
- Lane Variations: Most of the route operates with four lanes, narrowing to two lanes between the Nagasaki-Susukizuka and Nagasaki Interchanges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities does the Nagasaki Expressway pass through?
The expressway serves several major cities, including Saga, Takeo, Omura, and Isahaya.
Where does the Nagasaki Expressway begin and end?
The route starts at the Tosu Junction (connecting to the Kyushu and Ōita Expressways) and ends at the Nagasaki Interchange.
Are there rest areas available along the route?
Yes, the expressway includes various Service Areas (SA) and Parking Areas (PA) to accommodate travelers, such as the Kinryū SA and Yamaura PA.
How many lanes does the expressway have?
The section from Tosu Junction to the Nagasaki-Susukizuka Interchange features four lanes, while the final section from Nagasaki-Susukizuka to the Nagasaki Interchange is a two-lane road.
Is the entire route accessible without gaps?
Yes, since January 26, 1990, the expressway has been fully accessible from Tosu to Nagasaki without any gaps in the route.