## Section 2

## 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 the 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 northeastern Japan as soon as possible, while staying mindful of requests from disaster stricken areas.

## (2) Coastal Countermeasures

In terms of the full-scale restoration and reconstruction of the coastal levees and so on, of the shores of the 677 districts where restoration and reconstruction is to be done, construction has begun in 550 districts and has been completed in 152 districts as of the end of March 2016. Of these, a section of about 36 km has been finished out of the approximately 40 km of the national construction area (including the section for which the national government will cover disaster recovery) with the completion of its entirety aimed to be around the end of March 2017. Also, reconstruction of the bay mouth breakwaters will be continued systematically so that there will be as little hindrance as possible to the city building and industry activity, which is targeted to be completed around the end of March 2019.

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

## (3) River Countermeasures

Full-scale restoration work to secure pre-earthquake safety levels has been completed for the affected river management facilities in zones managed by the national government. Building on this, we will implement the necessary earthquake and tsunami countermeasures.

## (4) Sewage System

122 wastewater treatment plants (excluding seven facilities located in evacuation order areas in Fukushima) were affected. Sendai Minami Gamo Purification Center was restored from its severe damage at the end of FY 2015. All 120 treatment plants, except for the two without wastewater, were restored to normal-level operations by the end of FY 2015. Of the treatment plants located within Fukushima's evacuation order cancellation ready area, two plants have already completed full-scale recovery. In regards to the 680 km of sewer pipes affected by the disaster, 669 km was fully recovered as of the end of March 2016. We will continue to work in accordance with the reconstruction plan and aim for the earliest possible restoration and reconstruction, combined with the incorporation of earthquake- and tsunami-resistant structures.

## (5) Countermeasures against Sediment-related Disasters

Regarding countermeasures against sediment-related disasters in order to safeguard traffic networks that are indispensable in reconstructing stricken areas of water systems, such as the Abukuma River, reconstruction was completed at the end of FY 2015. We will continue to push ahead with countermeasures against sediment-related disasters in such areas where sediment-related disasters occurred at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

## (6) Roads

(1) In regard to expressways, the Joban Expressway, which was fully opened to traffic on March 1, 2015, is frequently used, with traffic volumes of 10,000 vehicles or higher per day in many sections. The Joban Expressway also encourages companies to move in the area along this expressway in Hamadori, Fukushima, which generates employment in this area. Additional interchanges, Okuma IC and Futaba IC, were newly planned to develop on June 12, 2015. $ ^{(2)} $ In regard to the national highways that are under direct control of MLIT, full-scale reconstructions were basically completed by the end of 2012. Furthermore, the major disaster areas were reconstructed based on the restoration plan, including the bridges on national road route 45 and other structures. (3) In regard to the reconstruction of roads/support roads, the work on the main