Yumeshima Tunnel Flooding and Traffic Disruptions: A Safety Concern for Expo 2025 Visitors

By 01/12/2023Expo Osaka 2025

In June 2023, an important safety concern arose for the upcoming Osaka Expo 2025. The tunnel connecting Yumeshima and Sakishima, two artificial islands, is prone to flooding due to linear precipitation bands, leading to frequent traffic closures. This issue needs to be addressed to ensure the safety of all Expo visitors.

(Sankei Newspaper Article Translation)
On June 2, 2023, the Osaka City Office reported that the Yumeshima Tunnel experienced flooding, causing partial lane closures. The time for reopening remains uncertain. According to the Osaka Port Bureau, rainwater and mud flowed into the tunnel, prompting the closure of lanes from Sakishima towards Yumeshima. The lanes from Yumeshima to Sakishima remained open.

Furthermore, the Shin-Kizugawa Bridge, connecting Taisho and Suminoe wards, was also temporarily closed due to flooding from noon on the same day, but reopened around 2 PM.

This development highlights a crucial infrastructure issue that could impact the Osaka Expo 2025, underscoring the need for robust planning and safety measures.

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