News Japan to step up efforts to shift power lines underground

[thomas]

Japan's infrastructure ministry is preparing to introduce a new target aimed at accelerating the relocation of power lines underground and phasing out above-ground utility poles nationwide. Under the proposed five-year plan, set to begin in fiscal 2026, the ministry intends to identify specific sections of emergency transport routes in urban areas where it hopes to complete the undergrounding of cables by fiscal 2030, according to sources familiar with the matter. The plan is expected to be finalised next spring following expert panel discussions. The focus will be on roughly 21,826 kilometres of urban emergency routes considered vulnerable to collapse during disasters. As of the end of fiscal 2024, only about 35% of these priority areas had been addressed.

In areas where putting power lines underground is challenging due to reasons such as roads being narrow, the ministry plans to utilize roadside drains, the sources said. This approach is expected to reduce costs and shorten construction times. Laying power lines underground is estimated to cost around ¥500 million ($3.4 million) per kilometer of road, according to the sources. Emergency transport routes, designated by prefectural governments under the basic law on disaster management, are designed for use to ensure a smooth transportation option for people needing emergency medical care and relief goods in times of disasters. The construction of new utility poles along such roads is banned as fallen poles could obstruct emergency vehicle traffic.

Japan eyes new target for replacing utility poles with underground power cables

The main goal is to remove utility poles along urban-area emergency transport routes that have a high risk of collapsing in the event of a disaster.

www.japantimes.co.jp

 

[Ukigumo]

I thought this was avoided because of earthquakes?