名神高速・関ヶ原IC付近で立ち往生続く　運転手「かれこれ6時間、しんどい」…岐阜県は災害対策本部設置 (24/01/24 18:29)

Summary

Due to heavy snowfall, part of the Meishin Expressway in Gifu Prefecture was closed, causing major traffic congestion. Vehicles were stuck in standstills for 5-6km in both directions near the Sekigahara Interchange. The closures were likely caused by trucks getting stuck in the snow, which then accumulated and immobilized other vehicles behind them. With no estimated time for reopening, Nexco Central Japan is distributing food and supplies to stranded drivers while working to clear the roads. Gifu Prefecture has set up a disaster response headquarters to assist with snow removal and support drivers.

Takeaways

• 😨 Parts of the Meishin Expressway were closed due to heavy snow
• ⚠️ Major traffic jams occurred on the expressway and local roads
• ❄️ 58cm of snow fell in Sekigahara Town, a record high
• 🚧 The section between Gifu Bridge and Taga IC was closed
• 🚙 Traffic jams spanned 5km downhill and 6km uphill
• 😕 Trucks got stuck due to spinning tires or closed local roads
• 🕑 Some drivers have been stuck for over 6 hours
• 🍫 Nexco Central Japan distributed supplies like Calorie Mate
• 🚛 Removal of a broken down vehicle needed before plowing
• ✋ Gifu Prefecture set up disaster headquarters to provide aid

Q & A

Why was part of the Meishin Expressway closed?

It was closed due to the impact of snowfall in the area.

How much snow did Sekigahara Town receive?

Sekigahara Town received 58 cm of snowfall as of 5 pm.

What section of the Meishin Expressway is closed?

The section between the Gifu Bridge Interchange and the Tashima Konan Interchange in Shiga Prefecture is closed.

How long are the traffic jams due to the closure?

The downstream traffic jam is about 5 km long starting near the Sekigahara Interchange. The upstream jam is about 6 km long, also from the Sekigahara Interchange.

What caused the traffic jams?

Downstream, a truck got stuck after its tires spun on the snow. Upstream, vehicles tried to exit to secondary roads but were blocked, stopping on the highway.

How long have drivers been stuck?

Some drivers have been stuck for about 6 hours.

What is being distributed to stuck drivers?

Calorie Mate bars, water, and portable toilets are being distributed.

When will the road reopen?

It's unknown. There is a disabled vehicle 2km ahead that needs to be removed before plowing can start.

What is the local government doing to help?

The prefectural government has set up a disaster management office to coordinate snow removal and distribute food and supplies to stuck drivers.

Where did the information in the transcript come from?

It came from the Japan Road Traffic Information Center, Nexco Central Nippon, Gifu Prefectural Police, and the Gifu Local Meteorological Observatory.