Policy Responses to Deterioration of Transportation Infrastructure : Focusing on Road Facilities

Abstract

This survey examines changes in public policy to address deterioration of transportation social capital, with special focus on road facilities. Public measures to deal with infrastructure deterioration comprise three levels. Systematic measures by the nation as a whole have commenced, triggered by the Sasago Tunnel accident on December 2, 2012. Measures by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism were formulated immediately before the accident. The ministry has previously made efforts to address deterioration of road facilities, and led the drafting of countermeasure guidelines for the nation as a whole. One 5-year PDCA cycle has been carried out, and it appears that a system has been fully put in place for measures to address deterioration of road facilities. However, two issues remain: securing funding and infrastructure degeneration.