1. Report on 3-Year Plan for Improving Safety
  2. List of activities
  3. vol.08 also this moment Expressway watch, road traffic control center

Efforts in the 3-Year Plan for Improving Safety

NEXCO CENTRAL Jurisdiction Expressway, where about 1.87 million vehicles come and go per day The road conditions change every moment. For example, the number of broken cars is about 100 / day, and the number of fallen objects is about 200 / day. In this way, the Road Control Center is at the center of constantly monitoring the ever-changing Expressway situation, communicating information to customers, and issuing instructions and requests to related organizations.

● Two functions to move the road control center. Road control and facility control
NEXCO CENTRAL 's Road Control Center monitors the Expressway network in the central part of Japan.The Road Control Center monitors and controls the road conditions, and monitors and controls tunnels, information boards, and other essential facilities for road safety. Facility control is divided into two. All information related to Expressway including CCTV camera images, radio reports from the traffic management corps, and information from customers using the # 9910 road emergency dial, is once collected at the Road Traffic Control Center. For example, when a report of a falling object is received, information on "Caution for falling object" is displayed on an information board, and at the same time, the traffic management corps is instructed to collect it. In addition, if an abnormality occurs in the tunnel, facility control notifies the danger through information boards inside and outside the tunnel, and activates tunnel emergency equipment as necessary.
It is difficult to predict when, where, and what will happen on a Expressway where cars are constantly traveling.To ensure that customers always use the Expressway safely, safely and comfortably, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year It's important to keep watching without interruption.

Combines human eyes and IT to quickly and accurately understand road conditions

● Reports from customers helping to understand road conditions
Accidents, broken cars and falling objects occur in various places. Reports from customers are particularly helpful in understanding them, and the trend has become particularly noticeable with the spread of mobile phones. Also, it is very important to receive information from emergency telephones installed every 1 km on the main line (every 200 m in the tunnel). If you pick up the emergency telephone handset, it will automatically connect to the road control center. If you see any abnormalities on Expressway, call 110, emergency call or road emergency dial (# 9910) and tell the person in charge of the situation such as whether there is any injured person Thank you for your cooperation.

  • Emergency telephones are also set up in tunnels, interchanges, and SA and PA.

    Emergency telephones are also set up in tunnels, interchanges, and SA and PA.

  • Just pick up the handset and you will be connected to a 24-hour road control center. In addition, a call button is installed for those who have difficulty in talking.

    Just pick up the handset and you will be connected to a 24-hour road control center. In addition, a call button is installed for those who have difficulty in talking.

  • The road emergency dial (# 9910), which can also be used from a mobile phone, is available 24 hours a day, free of charge.

    The road emergency dial (# 9910), which can also be used from a mobile phone, is available 24 hours a day, free of charge.

Information for road emergency dial https://www.c-nexco.co.jp/safety/9910/
Emergency call information https://www.c-nexco.co.jp/safety/emergency_phone/

● Traffic counter that automatically detects traffic volume
Traffic counters are installed at various locations on Expressway to inform customers of accurate traffic information. The most suitable method is adopted depending on the location, such as a loop coil type that uses a coil embedded in the road to determine the traffic situation of the vehicle, an image processing method using a CCTV camera, and an ultrasonic method that measures traffic congestion using ultrasonic pulses. The measured traffic data is sent to the Traffic Control Center.

  • In the loop coil method, current is passed through a coil (magnetic sensor) embedded in the road, and the speed is measured by the change in magnetism caused by passing vehicles.

    In the loop coil method, current is passed through a coil (magnetic sensor) embedded in the road, and the speed is measured by the change in magnetism caused by passing vehicles.

  • In the image processing method, the distance between vehicles and moving speed are measured by image recognition technology, and the presence or absence of traffic congestion is automatically detected.

    In the image processing method, the distance between vehicles and moving speed are measured by image recognition technology, and the presence or absence of traffic congestion is automatically detected.

  • In the ultrasonic method, ultrasonic waves are emitted from a head like a horn at a fixed period, and the traffic is measured from the reflected waves.

    In the ultrasonic method, ultrasonic waves are emitted from a head like a horn at a fixed period, and the traffic is measured from the reflected waves.

● CCTV camera for simultaneously grasping road conditions and traffic volume
Images from CCTV cameras installed on Expressway are transmitted in real time to the Road Traffic Control Center, where they are constantly checking and helping to detect falling objects, broken cars, accidents, etc. early.

  • In order to respond promptly and accurately, we are working to collect local information in real time using CCTV cameras.

    In order to respond promptly and accurately, we are working to collect local information in real time using CCTV cameras.

  • At the Road Control Center, CCTV camera images can be used to gain a detailed understanding of the local situation where an accident or a failed car has occurred.

    At the Road Control Center, CCTV camera images can be used to gain a detailed understanding of the local situation where an accident or a failed car has occurred.

● Rain, snow, wind, temperature, fog. Meteorological observation equipment that can perform four roles with one unit
Weather conditions have a significant effect on customer driving. For example, when it rains or snows, it alerts you to slips, when the wind blows it alerts you to rollover, and when fog occurs, it turns on and slows down the lights. For this purpose, weather information measured by weather observation equipment is sent to the road control center in real time. In addition, in order to grasp such information pinpointly, meteorological observation equipment is installed at various places on the Expressway.
Furthermore, earthquake measurement is also very important in the volcanic islands of Japan. Seismometers are also installed at major tollgates on the Expressway, and in the event of shaking, the shaking and scale are measured and sent to the Road Traffic Control Center to take measures such as closing the road.

  • The meteorological observation equipment collects various weather information required for customers traveling on Expressway.

    The meteorological observation equipment collects various weather information required for customers traveling on Expressway.

● Traffic management team patrols the Expressway 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
A yellow patrol car that you have probably seen at least once. That is the traffic management squad. It patrols the Expressway 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, reports road and traffic conditions to the Road Control Center, and handles abnormal situations such as removing falling objects.

Vol.06 "Traffic management team" patrols around the clock https://www.c-nexco.co.jp/corporate/safety/torikumi/torikumi/vol06/

  • The daily patrol distance is about 36,000 km for the entire traffic management team. This is about the same distance as one earth lap.

    The daily patrol distance is about 36,000 km for the entire traffic management team. This is about the same distance as one earth lap.

  • Professional members who know the Expressway quickly detect and report abnormalities on the road.

    Professional members who know the Expressway quickly detect and report abnormalities on the road.

Should a car break down on a Expressway...

As an aorta connecting the east and west of Japan, Expressway and bullet trains have carried many people and things so far. Also, just as the traffic on the Expressway increased, the traffic on the Shinkansen has continued to rise. The remarkable development of the Japanese economy was the existence of these two arteries.

  • ① Immediately turn on the hazard lamp and inform the following vehicle of the abnormality.

    ① Immediately turn on the hazard lamp and inform the following vehicle of the abnormality.

  • ② After stopping at the shoulder of the road or in the emergency parking zone, inform the car behind you of the abnormality with the flares or stop sign.

    ② After stopping at the shoulder of the road or in the emergency parking zone, inform the car behind you of the abnormality with the flares or stop sign.

  • ③ When getting off the vehicle, pay close attention to following vehicles and evacuate immediately to a safe place such as outside the guardrail.

    ③ When getting off the vehicle, pay close attention to following vehicles and evacuate immediately to a safe place such as outside the guardrail.

  • ④If safety is ensured, call 110, emergency call or road emergency dial (# 9910).

    ④If safety is ensured, call 110, emergency call or road emergency dial (# 9910).

  • と If you call the emergency road dial (♯9910), the guidance will guide you to the Expressway name, so select the appropriate number. In case of an emergency call, you will be directly connected to the Road Control Center.

  • つ な が る When you are connected to the Road Traffic Control Center, the person in charge will ask you questions to identify the location of details such as the content of the event, the direction of travel, and landmarks.

    つ な が る When you are connected to the Road Traffic Control Center, the person in charge will ask you questions to identify the location of details such as the content of the event, the direction of travel, and landmarks.

NEXCO CENTRAL introduces how to deal with various troubles that can occur on the Expressway such as when a falling object occurs or an earthquake occurs, in addition to a failed car. Please check it once.

Expressway Troubleshooting https://www.c-nexco.co.jp/safety/justincase/

● Emergency equipment that customers can use is also installed inside the tunnel in case an emergency occurs.

  • ■ Emergency telephone
    This facility notifies the traffic control room of a fire or accident. It is installed at intervals of 200m (partly 150m) in the tunnel.

    ① Immediately turn on the hazard lamp and inform the following vehicle of the abnormality.

  • ■ Fire hydrants and fire extinguishers
    This equipment prevents rapid fire extinguishing in the event of a fire and prevents the Large of fire. Fire extinguishers are installed in the tunnel at 50m intervals.

    ② After stopping at the shoulder of the road or in the emergency parking zone, inform the car behind you of the abnormality with the flares or stop sign.

  • ■ Induction signboard
    This facility guides evacuated customers to an emergency exit if a fire occurs in the tunnel. Installed on the wall and emergency exit in the tunnel.

    ③ When getting off the vehicle, pay close attention to following vehicles and evacuate immediately to a safe place such as outside the guardrail.

  • ■ Push button type notification device
    It is installed in the tunnel at intervals of 50m. When a fire or accident occurs, pressing the button will notify the Road Control Center that an abnormality has occurred.

    ④If safety is ensured, call 110, emergency call or road emergency dial (# 9910).

In any case, to make the best judgment on a flexible basis

In order for customers to use the Expressway safely, the Road Control Center uses the collected weather information and road condition information to understand the situation, necessity of traffic regulation, dispatch of traffic management corps, etc. Make various decisions. In order to make quick and accurate decisions, we regularly share information such as know-how and case studies among each person in charge.

  • NEXCO CENTRAL
    Kanazawa Regional Head Office Maintenance and Service Department Road Control Center
  • 嘉指 登志也
  • Hokuriku Expwy, Tokai-Hokuriku Expwy, Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway in 3 lines of, responsible for the initial response in the event of an accident or trouble occurs.
In order to monitor the 24-hour Expressway, the general commander shifts daily and night shifts with five people.
In order to monitor the 24-hour Expressway, the general commander shifts daily and night shifts with five people.

-Calm "judgment" and quick and accurate "initial instruction" are necessary-

Our mission is to provide customers with a safe, secure and comfortable Expressway environment. In the unlikely event of an accident, a broken car, a falling object, or a natural disaster, you must make sure that the safety of the site and the people concerned is the highest priority, but that the traffic is not interrupted as much as possible. What is important is calm "judgment" and quick and accurate "initial response".

In order to monitor the 24-hour Expressway, the general commander shifts daily and night shifts with five people.
In order to monitor the 24-hour Expressway, the general commander shifts daily and night shifts with five people.
In the tension of when trouble may occur, you need to be focused on not to overlook any trivial changes, and to be able to respond calmly and quickly in the unlikely event that you need to.
In the tension of when trouble may occur, you need to be focused on not to overlook any trivial changes, and to be able to respond calmly and quickly in the unlikely event that you need to.

-Putting the highest priority on the safety of the workplace and parties, and taking the best measures that do not stop-

For example, a car has stopped in the lane Expressway due to an accident or breakdown. First of all, let other customers know that the accident has occurred. Next, we will enforce traffic regulations and, in some cases, close roads, but their impact is not small. During the Great East Japan Earthquake, Hokuriku Expressway has been designated as an emergency support route to Tohoku. That is why assuming that the highest priority is to ensure customer safety and prevent secondary damage, we need "judgment" and "first move instructions" to somehow avoid traffic closures and traffic restrictions. If an accident or a broken car is blocking the road, first consider whether you can move the car so that it can pass on one lane. In the unlikely event that a road should be closed, we will try to minimize the amount of time you need to stop on the road, such as requesting a tow truck to move the accident vehicle.
In the case of Expressway in the Hokuriku region, where I am in charge, about 70% of the annual accidents and breakdowns are concentrated during the winter months from November to April, and more than 40 cases occur overnight. It can be. In such a case, the radio and road emergency dial from the traffic management team keep ringing, and it is difficult to take a break or eat. Nevertheless, in order to maintain the safety and smooth traffic of the parties, it is necessary to make quick and accurate decisions and respond.

In the tension of when trouble may occur, you need to be focused on not to overlook any trivial changes, and to be able to respond calmly and quickly in the unlikely event that you need to.
In the tension of when trouble may occur, you need to be focused on not to overlook any trivial changes, and to be able to respond calmly and quickly in the unlikely event that you need to.
At meetings where the general managers gather, they share their experiences and know-how.
At the exchange meeting where the general commanders gather, they share their experiences and know-how.

-Sharing experiences and information to improve judgment and accuracy and speed of initial movement-

In this way, "judgment" and "initial response" are very important in the Road Traffic Control Center. To that end, we can greatly improve accuracy and speed by sharing experiences and examples between each person in charge and each Regional Head Office, as well as refining the basic manual. For example, when an accident is reported, a traffic management team is dispatched to the site as soon as possible while checking the collected information.However, before the traffic management team arrives, their experiences and shared cases are shared. We will simulate the on-site response with reference. By doing so, you can make more accurate and faster decisions and instructions.
Therefore, we have a mechanism to share examples and know-how, such as holding an exchange meeting where the general commander gathers once a month, and taking over the details of the event that occurred on the day and the road conditions when the day shift and night shift are changed. Has been established. By actively promoting these initiatives, we will continue our efforts to make judgments and response methods more accurate.

At meetings where the general managers gather, they share their experiences and know-how.
At meetings where the general managers gather, they share their experiences and know-how.

Get the information and response you need, where you need it, as soon as possible

It is no exaggeration to say that initial response is the most important role for a road control center. For example, promptly providing information on a failed car can alert a traveling vehicle to prevent a secondary accident. The Road Traffic Control Center promptly provides information and gives instructions to the site based on the collected information.

● Information is displayed instantly where needed
The Road Traffic Control Center strives to provide accurate and accurate information on the various information collected. For example, in the event of an accident or traffic congestion, we will quickly determine the content and location of the information to be provided, and perform input operations quickly and accurately to provide the information. The collected information is provided by various tools shown below.

  • Providing information promptly leads to preventing accidents and troubles.

    Providing information promptly leads to preventing accidents and troubles.

・ Information board at the interchange entrance where you can check Expressway traffic information and weather information on general roads connected to the interchange

  • ・ Information board at the interchange entrance where you can check Expressway traffic information and weather information on general roads connected to the interchange

・ Information board at the entrance of the tunnel that displays the status of accidents and construction in the tunnel
 

  • ・ Information board at the entrance of the tunnel that displays the status of accidents and construction in the tunnel

・ Graphic information board displayed before the junction so that the route can be selected according to the congestion situation
 

  • ・ Graphic information board displayed before the junction so that the route can be selected according to the congestion situation

-Rest facility congestion information board that grasps the congestion situation of the parking lot of the rest facility by image recognition processing and automatically displays the congestion situation of the parking lot.

  • -Rest facility congestion information board that grasps the congestion situation of the parking lot of the rest facility by image recognition processing and automatically displays the congestion situation of the parking lot.

・ Time information board that reduces psychological fatigue and serves as a reference for drive plans

  • ・ Time information board that reduces psychological fatigue and serves as a reference for drive plans

・ Main line information board installed in front of the interchange exit to inform various conditions of the main line

  • ・ Main line information board installed in front of the interchange exit to inform various conditions of the main line

・ iHighway (iHighway) that can be checked on a PC or smartphone so that the road conditions can be checked anytime and anywhere

iHighway Central Japan http://c-ihighway.jp/

  • ・ iHighway (iHighway) that can be checked on a PC or smartphone so that the road conditions can be checked anytime and anywhere

・ Highway information terminal installed in service areas, etc., where you can make a drive plan during breaks
 
 

  • ・ Highway information terminal installed in service areas, etc., where you can make a drive plan during breaks

● Direct on-site instructions accurately, as soon as possible
When information about an accident or a falling object enters the Road Traffic Control Center, the situation is quickly grasped and judged, information is provided to customers, instructions to the traffic management corps, dispatch requests to police and fire departments, etc. , We will provide an accurate initial response. We regularly carry out drills in cooperation with the Road Traffic Control Center so that the traffic management team can secure customers' safety as soon as possible and restore the state where they can safely drive on Expressway.

  • NEXCO CENTRAL In the case of Kanazawa Regional Head Office, the Road Control Center and the site perform an average of about 540 wireless communications per day, and about 195,000 wireless communications annually.

    NEXCO CENTRAL In the case of Kanazawa Regional Head Office, the Road Control Center and the site perform an average of about 540 wireless communications per day, and about 195,000 wireless communications annually.

  • We are conducting joint drills involving the Road Control Center, the Traffic Management Corps, and the police to strengthen cooperation.

    We are conducting joint drills involving the Road Control Center, the Traffic Management Corps, and the police to strengthen cooperation.

“Leveraging our state-of-the-art technology and our experience,
We aim for a safer, safer and more comfortable Expressway. "
  • NEXCO CENTRAL
    Kanazawa Regional Head Office Maintenance & Service Division Facility Team Team Leader
  • Eiji Mori
  • Kanazawa Regional Head Office new road control center design.

Tell me about the NEXCO CENTRAL Jurisdiction Road Control Center

NEXCO CENTRAL Road Control Center oversees the Expressway passing through central Japan. The area in charge of the Kanazawa Regional Head Office Road Traffic Control Center is characterized by many incidents and responses to snow.

NEXCO CENTRAL Road Control Center oversees the Expressway passing through central Japan. The area in charge of the Kanazawa Regional Head Office Road Traffic Control Center is characterized by many incidents and responses to snow.

-The vast area is divided into four areas for monitoring-

From Tokyo in the east to Shiga in the west, the area covered by NEXCO CENTRAL is very large, the total distance is about 2,007 km, SA and PA are 177 places, and the daily traffic volume is about 1.87 million vehicles . In order to quickly and accurately grasp the situation of Expressway and make the best decision, we have divided the area under our control into four road control centers. Kanazawa Regional Head Office Road Control Center has been renewed along with the management area Large, including the opening of Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway. Currently, I am in charge of about 300km mainly in the three prefectures of Hokuriku.

NEXCO CENTRAL Road Control Center oversees the Expressway passing through central Japan. The area in charge of the Kanazawa Regional Head Office Road Traffic Control Center is characterized by many incidents and responses to snow.
NEXCO CENTRAL Road Control Center oversees the Expressway passing through central Japan. The area in charge of the Kanazawa Regional Head Office Road Traffic Control Center is characterized by many incidents and responses to snow.

What are the features of the Kanazawa Regional Head Office Road Traffic Control Center?

-Large display for improved processing capacity, circular layout for smooth communication-

The Kanazawa Regional Head Office Road Traffic Control Center is designed to handle more information and respond more quickly and accurately. One of the features is the circular layout. In this way, many monitors can be seen from the seat, and at the same time, the distance between the persons in charge is closer and closer cooperation can be achieved. Next is the ergonomic display layout. The height of the display is adjusted so that it is within the viewing angle of the sitting person within 20 degrees, and the height of the step on the floor is adjusted so that the monitor is not hidden by the head of the person in front. . In addition to the layout, the number of displays has been doubled compared to the previous road control center. The amount of information projected on 156 55-inch panels can be handled up to about five times that of conventional models, enabling more complex decisions to be made more quickly. Furthermore, the display location and layout of each information can be changed freely, making it possible to respond flexibly to abnormal situations such as Expressway conditions and disasters.

  •  

    A large display that is more than 50 meters long in a straight line is rounded, and a large number of monitors are stored in a limited space. In addition, the circular layout allows information to be smoothly shared between staff members.

What kind of new functions have been adopted for the Kanazawa Regional Head Office Road Control Center?

You can communicate with the Road Control Center via the intercom installed in the smart IC.
You can communicate with the Road Control Center via the intercom installed in the smart IC.

-Expressway 's first integrated smart IC management and disaster recovery-

For smart ICs in the area, the new Kanazawa Regional Head Office Road Control Center has been consolidated to provide remote support. Through this initiative, we are pursuing management cost reductions and efficiency.
Another new feature is disaster recovery. This is a function that can distribute the system for processing each data of Expressway several places including Kanazawa Regional Head Office. By introducing this system, for example, even if the Nagoya Regional Head Office road control center is damaged, it is possible to manage approximately 840 km of the Expressway managed by the Nagoya Regional Head Office with the new Kanazawa Regional Head Office road control center. In Japan, where natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons frequently occur, we believe that it will become a very important function in the future.

You can communicate with the Road Control Center via the intercom installed in the smart IC.
You can communicate with the Road Control Center via the intercom installed in the smart IC.

In recent years, in Japan, measures against earthquakes have been more important than ever, but what kind of disaster prevention measures are you taking?

Considering the location of Kanazawa, which is a scenic spot, the exterior design is also emphasized, such as using black tiles unique to the Hokuriku region and reddish colors unique to the teahouse district.
Considering the location of Kanazawa, which is a scenic spot, the exterior design is also emphasized, such as using black tiles unique to the Hokuriku region and reddish colors unique to the teahouse district.

-The latest earthquake-resistant structure that can withstand a seismic intensity of 6 or higher-

The Kanazawa Regional Head Office Road Control Center plays a role as a disaster prevention base in the event of a large-scale disaster. Therefore, it is located 3 km away from the coast outside the hazard map, and has the latest earthquake-resistant structure that can withstand a seismic intensity of 6 or more. In addition, equipped with a facility that can purify well water into drinking water so that drinking water can be supplied even if water is cut off, and a private power generation facility that can generate power for more than 72 hours, using propane gas that does not stop supply due to pipe damage, Fuel reserves are sufficient for more than 72 hours. As a countermeasure against inundation, a central system and an electrical room that are usually located on the first floor are installed on the upper floor. In addition, if another road control center is damaged, there will be a working space that can accept personnel from that road control center. Indeed, at the NEXCO CENTRAL Road Control Center, it is a facility equipped with various facilities and devices so that it can continue functioning in the event of any disaster.

Considering the location of Kanazawa, which is a scenic spot, the exterior design is also emphasized, such as using black tiles unique to the Hokuriku region and reddish colors unique to the teahouse district.
Considering the location of Kanazawa, which is a scenic spot, the exterior design is also emphasized, such as using black tiles unique to the Hokuriku region and reddish colors unique to the teahouse district.

As the latest road control center, how will the Kanazawa Regional Head Office road control center function in the future?

-Kanazawa Regional Head Office Road Control Center will play a safe future and backup function for NEXCO CENTRAL

The Kanazawa Regional Head Office Road Control Center has selected a location with a lower risk of earthquake than any of the road control centers within its jurisdiction. For example, in the event of a Nankai-Tokai earthquake, which is said to be likely to occur in the not-so-distant future, the Kanazawa Regional Head Office Road Traffic Control Center, which has a number of disaster prevention measures and disaster recovery functions, will provide backup for NEXCO CENTRAL It will take on the role of a site.
Yet another very important function is being planned as a road control center. It is remote centralized monitoring of structures. Currently, the deterioration and damage of structures are checked one by one with inspection equipment, but in the future, we aim to monitor them collectively at the center using sensors that utilize the latest technology. When this system is completed, management costs and efficiency will be improved, as well as the progress of deterioration and damage in real time, so that troubles can be prevented beforehand.
The Kanazawa Regional Head Office Road Control Center is a road control center that plays a very important role in NEXCO CENTRAL as a whole in the future of facility and equipment safety management and backup.