No.29 Nambu Line Elevated Construction Commemoration Ceremony

(Inagi Newsletter, March 15, 2014 issue)

On February 15, 2014, amidst severe weather due to record-breaking snowfall for two consecutive weeks, the "Nambu Line Inadazutsumi to Fuchu-Honmachi Line Elevation Commemoration Ceremony" was held, celebrating with local Neighborhood Association leaders, citizens, and stakeholders along the line.
Looking back at the history of the Nambu Line elevated crossing project, it began with a preliminary survey in March 1981, followed by a city council resolution regarding the "Inagi City National Railways Nambu Line Continuous Elevated Project" in September 1986, the project was adopted by the Ministry of Construction in April 1989, and project approval was obtained in March 1993.
More than 30 years have passed, including the preparation period, until the completion of the elevated structure on December 23 last year. From the planning stage to today, four mayors have been involved: Mayor Naoe Mori, former Mayor Moto Yamada, former Mayor Ryoichi Ishikawa, and myself.

The completion of the elevated section of the Nambu Line today is the result of the long-standing understanding and cooperation of the local residents, the support of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the efforts of the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Construction and the stakeholders of JR East, who are the project operators. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the stakeholders who have been involved up to this point.
This project involves elevating a length of 4.3 kilometers and is a very significant project not only within Inagi City but also in Tokyo. Currently, it is the third longest major construction project following the 13.1 kilometers between Mitaka and Tachikawa on the JR Chuo Line and the 6.0 kilometers near Keikyu Kamata Station on the Keihin Kyuko Line.
The effects of this project are evident from the alleviation of traffic congestion on Fuchu Kaido, and at the same time, the removal of the railway crossing that was a school route has also ensured the safety of students.
Additionally, regarding the issue of the north-south division caused by the Nambu Line, it is expected that the integration of the community will progress, including the use of the space under the elevated tracks.
In the future, the development of the northern side road and the further promotion of the Land Readjustment Project around the three stations will be challenges. However, the city will promptly develop the rotary in front of Inagi-Naganuma Station and Minami-Tama Station, and will review regional public transportation.
Furthermore, we would like to develop Inagi-Naganuma Station as a core station on the Nambu Line and as a base for promoting Inagi's local products such as "Inagi Pears" and "Takaosan Grapes."
We kindly ask for your continued understanding and cooperation regarding this project.