2026 Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 298-307
The Tokaido Shinkansen, which functions as a vital artery of Japan’s economy, has been in continuous operation since its inauguration in 1964. Ensuring the long-term integrity of its civil engineering structures remains a critical challenge for the future. Following privatization in 1987, an investigative committee including external experts was established to evaluate structural integrity and identify issues relevant to extending service life. A dedicated inspection organization was subsequently created to obtain accurate assessments of actual conditions, and the inspection framework was strengthened through the incorporation of special inspections. In 2002, it was determined that large-scale renovations, including the replacement of steel bridges, would be required in the near future. To address the substantial construction costs associated with these renovations, the national government established and, for the first time, approved the “Shinkansen Large-Scale Renovation Reserve Fund System” as a financial measure for private railway operators. This paper focuses on steel bridges and presents the initial plan and subsequent modifications of large-scale renovations based on preventive maintenance, which commenced in 2013 and were completed in the current fiscal year. It also outlines the development of relevant policies and legal frameworks, describes renovation methods implemented without service suspensions or speed restrictions, and evaluates their effectiveness.
