#Japan #Pacific Consultants #Hokuriku Shinkansen #Civil Engineering #Tsuruga

Deep Mountain Tunnel Recognized with Prestigious Civil Engineering Award

The Hokuriku Shinkansen, particularly the Deep Mountain Tunnel, has recently garnered attention by winning the coveted 2025 Civil Engineering Award from the Japan Construction Industry Forum, which is known for honoring exceptional projects and structures. This award symbolizes the commitment to enhancing the quality of civil engineering projects, covering aspects from planning and design to construction and environmental management.

Project Overview

The Deep Mountain Tunnel is a vital element of the Hokuriku Shinkansen's extension. It seeks not only to improve transportation efficiency but also to address environmental concerns. Located in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, the project reflects a strong commitment to preserving the surrounding Ramsar-listed wetlands, particularly the Nakamii Wetland.

The design, executed by Pacific Consultants, incorporated various innovative measures aiming at increasing productivity while safeguarding the environment. Key stakeholders in this project include major construction firms like Sumitomo Mitsui Construction, Kyokuto Kowa, and Michi Batu Gumi in a joint enterprise.

Construction Timeline

• - Start Date: March 13, 2017
• - Completion Date: March 10, 2023

Reasons for Winning the Award

Among the factors that contributed to their selection for the award were the careful consideration of environmental preservation in the wetlands and the efficient construction methods employed. By modifying the planned elevation and layout of the project, as well as utilizing a circular drainage-less structure for the tunnel, potential impacts on groundwater levels were mitigated.

In addition to this, the use of advanced SPER technology for rapid construction of elevated bridge pillars enabled significant reductions in the project timeline. These innovations ensured that the Hokuriku Shinkansen could commence operations on schedule while adhering to environmental standards.

Explore More

For those interested in a deeper understanding of this remarkable project, Pacific Consultants has shared a project story titled "Hokuriku Shinkansen Tsuruga Extension Project Vol.2 – Deep Mountain Tunnel" on their official website. This detailed narrative outlines the challenges and achievements during the tunnel's construction, offering insights into the engineering strategies implemented throughout the project. Visit Pacific Consultants Insight for the full story.

About Pacific Consultants

Since its founding in 1951, Pacific Consultants has established itself as a leading construction consulting company, contributing to urban and transportation development both domestically and internationally. With over 70 years of expertise in planning, designing, and operating social infrastructure, this firm is dedicated to producing a sustainable future. Their vision, "Producing the Future," emphasizes creating value for communities to ensure a safe and sustainable living environment for all.

For more information about the company, visit their official website: Pacific Consultants.