When you are driving through a highway tunnel, you will see a green “emergency exit” sign. This can be used by anyone in the event of an accident, fire, or disaster.

However, since we didn’t learn how to use it at driving school, it’s an unknown place until we actually use it. Such a tunnel’s “emergency exit”. Where does it lead to, and what is it like?

A close look at the construction of emergency exits in tunnels!

Reporter“We have arrived at the Takimurozaka Tunnel in Aso City. They are currently installing an emergency exit here. Now, let’s go inside!”

Part of the Chubu-Kyushu Transverse Highway, which connects Kumamoto City and Oita City, is the Takimuro-zaka Road, National Route 57. The Takimuro-zaka Tunnel is a 4.8 km long section that runs through the outer rim of Mt. Aso.

The Takimuro-zaka Road was closed due to a slope collapse caused by heavy rains in northern Kyushu in 2012. Also, because the road was originally steep and had a series of curves, and there had been many accidents in the winter, construction of new tunnels and roads is progressing at a rapid pace, with the aim of reopening the road in the year after next.

The total length of the tunnel, called the main tunnel, is 4.8 kilometers. About 200 meters from the entrance, we found the first emergency exit.

The tunnel is surrounded by mountains. Where on earth does the emergency exit lead?