## Section 2 The Steady Recovery and Reconstruction of Infrastructures and Transportation

## (1) Outline

For the public infrastructures under the jurisdiction of the MLIT, we are steadily working towards transitioning from emergency restoration phase to full-scale restoration and reconstruction, based on the project plan and progress schedule. We will continue our endeavors now and in the future to achieve the full recovery of north-eastern Japan as soon as possible, while staying mindful of requests from disaster stricken areas.

## (2) Coastal Countermeasures

Of the 471 coastal districts, the full-scale restoration work on the sea embankment has started in 318 districts, and completed in 86 districts by the end of March 2014. Out of these areas, within the approximately 41km of the national construction section (including sections where disaster restoration is nationally covered), the construction has been completed for about a 26km section, and the rest is aimed to be completed around the end of March 2016. The bay entrance breakwaters, which will take some time to restore, are being reconstructed according to plan, to keep from hindering the city development and industrial activities as much as possible. The aim is to complete the reconstruction by around the end of March 2016.

In proceeding with construction, whenever possible, we are incorporating structures where the effects of the embankments will persistently demonstrate their capabilities, even when they are struck by tsunamis. In Iwanuma City, Miyagi, we have established a model where the embankments are integrated with green seawalls comprised of embankments with vegetation planted throughout. We also actively use disaster waste for embankment material, while paying careful attention to the surrounding landscape and natural environment during reconstruction.

## (3) River Countermeasures

Aside from 2 of the sections that were inflicted with immense damages, we have completed the full-scale recovery of damaged embankments under government jurisdiction to safety levels (including for subsidence) equal to those before the earthquake. We will continue efforts while conforming to reconstruction plans formulated by municipalities in areas with the possibility of being struck by tsunamis and promote the elevation of embankments. As we aim to complete this project by the end of FY2015, we will progressively effectuate earthquake-resistant measures in embankments, liquefaction countermeasures, and the automation and remote operation of floodgates.

## (4) Sewage System

Out of the 120 sewage treatment plants affected by the disaster (not including the 9 plants within the evacuation order area in the Fukushima prefecture), 2 plants do not need to be in operation as there is no waste-water being generated, and for the 117 other plants—not including the Sendai Minami Gamo Purification Center where the damage was extensive—the recovery of normal processing levels were completed by the end of FY2012. Of the treatment plants located within Fukushima prefecture’s “evacuation order cancellation ready area,” 3 plants have already completed full-scale recovery. In regards to the 675km of sewer pipes affected by the disaster, 603km of it was fully recovered from the of FY2013 to the present. We will continue to work in accordance with the reconstruction plan, and aim for earliest possible restoration and reconstruction, combined with the incorporation of earthquake and tsunami-resistant structures.

## (5) Countermeasures against Sediment-related Disasters

Within Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Niigata prefectures, we have completed the sediment-related disaster countermeasures in 41 of the most urgent areas that were at risk of a collapse occurring. In addition, we are working on landslide countermeasures in water system areas like the Abukuma River, where there is a strong possibility that an intense seismic movement would cause unstable sediment to fluidize, which would lead to extensive damage to important transportation networks that are essential to the reconstruction work in the affected areas. Our goal is to complete these countermeasures by the end of FY2015.

## (6) Roads

In regards to roads, 1) For expressways, of the sections restricted before the review of the Joban Expressway, the road