Boulder In Kutchan Bullet Train Tunnel Section Delays Construction

The construction of the Hokkaido Shinkansen has been delayed by a massive rock in the Yotei Tunnel Hirafu construction site, the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper reports.

The boulder, which was discovered blocking the route in the summer of 2021, is more than 10 meters in diameter.

The 5.6 kilometer Yotei Tunnel, which travels between Niseko Town and Kutchan Town, has suffered significant delays since work began in March of 2019, due to this massive obstacle and other geological challenges during its construction.

To remove the boulder, a parallel side tunnel was drilled, from which the rock is being pulverised from behind.

The Japan Railways and Transportation Organization expects the removal of the rock will be completed this month.

After that, there will be a push to make up for lost time and meet the Shinkansen Expansion opening goal of fiscal year 2030.

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