Keiei Doyukai　-Changes in the Social Background-

Changes in the Social Background

Past

The population of Tokyo was about 9 million during the Tokyo Olympics, and the number of registered vehicles was 1 million. It was already clear then that the traffic in Tokyo would break down if conditions were not improved.

If further efforts to improve the urban infrastructures are not made, Tokyo will not be able to keep up with the growth of its economy.

・Economic revival after the war

・Expanding population in the metropolitan area

・Motorization, etc.

Construction of the Metropolitan Expressway

Present

Built between 1960s and 1970s, the Metropolitan Expressway in the urban area is gradually deteriorating. However, there is little prospect in acquiring land for rebuilding the expressway, and the only available option is to carry out repair works.

Tokyo is faced with various issues, including chronic traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise pollution. Currently, there are already a large number of railways, water supply and sewerage systems, as well as electrical and gas tunnels and pipes that are buried underneath the roads in the urban area. To avoid running into these, new subway constructions therefore have to be built at the deep underground level.

・Progress in civil engineering technologies
　 (shield tunneling, etc.)

・Creating a beautiful Japan
　 (improvement of environment and scenery)

・Legislative preparations for deep underground utilization

Underground relocation of the Metropolitan Expressway

Future