Kyushu Expressway Reopening Set After Kumamoto Earthquake Damage

Final Traffic Closure To Be Lifted

Kyushu Expressway reopening is set to restore full connectivity across the route following damage caused by the 2026 Kumamoto earthquakes. On August 13, West Nippon Expressway Company Limited (Nexco-West; Kita Ward, Osaka City) announced that the final traffic closure would be lifted on the morning of August 14. The affected section runs in both directions between Matsubase Interchange (IC) and Ebino IC. Once reopened, the entire expressway will be available to traffic, 17 days after the earthquakes struck. The reopening is expected to support disaster recovery, restore logistics capabilities, and help revitalize the transportation network across Kyushu.

Earthquake Damage Required Extensive Restoration

The expressway sustained multiple forms of earthquake-related damage that required restoration work before traffic could resume. At the Kawada Bridge, located between Uki-Hikawa IC and Yatsushiro IC, damage included compromised bridge joints, girder displacement, and uneven road surfaces. Similar problems were identified at the Katanogawa Bridge between Yatsushiro Junction and Hitoyoshi IC. Cracks were also discovered along sections including the route between Matsubase IC and Uki-Hikawa Smart IC. These conditions affected the final closed portion of the expressway and required repairs and traffic-management measures before the route could be restored for general use.

Restricted Lane Operations During Recovery

According to West Nippon Expressway Company Limited, some portions will initially reopen under a restoration plan that permits two-way traffic using a single lane in each direction. This arrangement is intended to restore movement while repair work and recovery activities continue. Reopening the final section between Matsubase IC and Ebino IC will remove the remaining closure on the expressway and reconnect the full route after the earthquake disruption. The restoration is particularly important for logistics and regional transportation because the expressway provides a continuous route through the affected areas, allowing traffic flows to resume while damaged infrastructure remains under recovery measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the final Kyushu Expressway closure scheduled to be lifted?
The final closure was scheduled to be lifted on August 14, restoring the entire route 17 days after the 2026 Kumamoto earthquakes, although some sections will initially operate under restricted lane arrangements during ongoing restoration work. West Nippon Expressway Company Limited said the remaining closure covered both directions between Matsubase Interchange and Ebino IC. The route had sustained damage including compromised bridge joints, girder displacement, uneven road surfaces, and cracks. Initial two-way operation on a single lane in each direction will allow traffic to resume while recovery activities continue on affected sections.