Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway The first section, stretching 4.5 kilometres from Takara-cho in Chuoku to Kaigan in Minato-ku, was completed in 1962. The initial aim was to connect the scattered gymnasiums and stadiums built for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The various arranged supporting columns are in parts as high as 40 metres. They are specially designed to withstand earthquakes, with each section of road capable of moving by a maximum of 20 centimetres.* Facilities on National Motorways As access to national motorways in Japan is fully controlled, interchanges, service areas, parking areas and bus stops are provided as essential facilities. Service areas and parking areas are provided as rest facilities alongside national motorways. A service area has parking lots, open spaces, filling stations, repair shops, restaurants, food shops, free public houses, and lavatories, while a parking area has only parking lots, open spaces, food shops and lavatories. Service areas are generally constructed at intervals of about every 50km and parking areas at every 15km. NDK has been promoting the construction of "Highway Oasis" through 18 individual projects, out of which fifteen projects are already completed. "High-way Oasis" is a joint-development project with developers of leisure facilities (natural parks, historic parks, etc.) next to a motorway's rest facilities. NDK constructs an access road to the facilities to help the developers. Motorway users can use the leisure facilities on the way to their final destinations without leaving the motorway, thus avoiding incurring extra costs and time. Motorway Planning Motorways are carefully located so as to cause minimum interference on urban and natural environments and places of cultural and historical interest. In almost all cases, environmental impact reports are prepared and presented at public hearings for those living in places where motorways are planned. Motorway Design Motorways are designed having regard not only to topography, geophysical conditions, construction costs, land acquisition difficulties and traffic safety, but also to the impact on the environment. Noise barriers, buffer zones formed of dense trees and shrubs, earth banks and anti-noise tunnels and semi underground structures are introduced where these are considered to be necessary. Compensation for Motorway Pollution When significant pollution to roadside areas is caused by the execution of road works or the operation of motorways, appropriate compensation is made according to the circumstances. OUTLINE OF NIHON DORO KODAN, NDK - Japan Highway Public Corporation - As at 1st August, 2000 Establishment: 16th April, 1956 Capital:¡1,958,314Million Number of Employees: 8,900 Business .National Motorways in operation 6,666km, under construction 2,398km Regional Motorways in operation 824.2km, under construction 128.4km Car Parks Tokyo and Fukuoka Location of Head Office: Tokyo Regional Bureaus: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Hokuriku, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu Construction Bureaus: Tokyo, Shizuoka and Nagoya Operation Bureaus: Tokyo (3) and Nagoya NDK introduced CI (Corporate Identity) activities as JH (Japan Highway). CI activities are introduced into an organisation for the purpose of improving its public image and revitalising the organisation. The NDK's CI activities have included establishing its corporate philosophy. The Corporate Statement of NDK (JH) is shown below: CORPORATE STATEMENT OF JH CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY JH contributes to building an affluent and healthy society by creating a network of comfortable and reliable road space, envisaging the future. MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES JH aims at an early completion of the highway network harmonised with local communities and natural surroundings. JH provides user-oriented services. JH utilises all its available resources for efficient management. JH further enhances its engineering capabilities using technological innovation. JH strengthens public relations. JH creates a lively atmosphere in the office. GUIDELINES FOR INDIVIDUALS [Communication-conscious] We communicate sincerely respecting others interests. [Challenge-conscious] We take up challenges positively with flexible thinking. [Cost-conscious] We perform cost-effectively to carry out jobs efficiently. [Health-conscious] We keep rejuvenating our minds and bodies. CORPORATE SLOGAN Creating Roads for Our Future references; ANNUAL REPORT2000, NIHON DORO KODAN, NDK, - Japan Highway Public Corporation – www.japan-highway.go.jp, *Tokyo, a guide to recent architecture, Noriyuki Tajima [Take me back please!]