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 "Commemoration Ceremony for the Elevation of the Entire Line from Inadazutsumi to Fuchuhonmachi on the Nambu Line" was held, celebrating with local Neighborhood Association leaders, citizens, and related parties.
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 in September 1986 regarding the "Nambu Line Continuous Elevation Project in Inagi City," and in April 1989, it was adopted as a project by the Ministry of Construction, obtaining project approval in March 1993.
Until the completion of the elevation on December 23 last year, more than 30 years have passed, including the preparation period. From the planning stage to today, four mayors have been involved: Mayor Naoe Mori, Mayor Moto Yamada, Mayor Ryoichi Ishikawa, and myself.

The completion of the elevation 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 JR East, the business operators involved. 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 elevates a length of 4.3 kilometers, making it a significant project not only within Inagi City but also in Tokyo. Currently, it is the third largest 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 Keikyu Line.
The effects of this project are evident from the alleviation of traffic congestion on the Fuchu Highway, and it has also ensured the safety of students by eliminating the level crossings that were part of their school routes.
Furthermore, 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 utilization of the space under the elevated tracks.
In the future, the development of the north-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 the local public transportation.
Additionally, we would like to develop Inagi-Naganuma Station as a core station of the Nambu Line and as a base for promoting Inagi's local products such as "Inagi Pears" and "Takaosan Grapes."
We kindly ask the citizens to continue their understanding and cooperation with this project.