The Effects of Expressway Opening Timing on Residents’ Settlement Intentions

抄録

In Japan’s rural areas, many planned expressways remain unconstructed due to population decline and financial issues, hindering progress. This creates uncertainty regarding the future of these areas. This study aimed to quantify the impact of expressways on residential satisfaction and settlement intentions and estimate the construction deadline from the perspective of settlement intentions. It was found that the deadline for expressway construction in Wakkanai, Hokkaido, is imminent and that expressways may help maintain settlement intentions and residential satisfaction. In addition, Wakkanai residents may be willing to pay a certain amount for the early opening of expressways. Using examples from the Tohoku region, this study proposes that the national government undertake the early construction of this project.