National Route 55 (国道55号, Kokudō Gojūgogō) is a national highway of Japan connecting the capitals of Tokushima and Kōchi prefectures, Tokushima and Kōchi in the island of Shikoku with a total length of 210.2 kilometers (130.6 mi).
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 国道55号 | ||||
 National Route 55 highlighted in red | ||||
| Route information | ||||
| Length | 210.2 km[1] (130.6 mi) | |||
| Existed | 1 May 1962–present | |||
| Major junctions | ||||
| East end |    National Route 11 / National Route 28 / National Route 192 in Tokushima | |||
| West end |   National Route 33 / National Route 194 in Kōchi | |||
| Location | ||||
| Country | Japan | |||
| Highway system | ||||
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Route description
editNational Route 55 spans much of the south side of Shikoku traveling southwest from Tokushima to Cape Muroto along the island's coast. At the cape the route changes direction following the coastline still, but to the northwest towards Kōchi. and there are almost no steep slopes or curves, so it is also used as a driving course. Most of the road runs parallel to the east branch of the Tosa Kaidō, a trade route established during the Yamato period. Near Anan National Route 55 runs along the coast, whereas the east branch of the Tosa Kaidō runs slightly inland. The scenic view zone along the route is also a typhoon-prone area, and traffic restrictions are often imposed from summer to autumn due to roadside collapses, falling rocks, and high waves.[2] Traffic restrictions may also be put in place when a major tsunami warning is issued. Overall, the highway has a total length of 210.2 kilometers (130.6 mi).[1]
History
editOn 18 May 1953 Secondary National Route 194 was established along what would become current-National Route 55 between Tokushima and Kōchi.[3] It was upgraded to Primary National Route 55 on 1 May 1962. The designation for Secondary National Route 194 was then re-assigned to the current National Route 194 between the cities of Kōchi and Saijō.[4]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ a b "一般国道の路線別、都道府県別道路現況" [Road statistics by General National Highway route and prefecture] (PDF) (in Japanese). Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
- ^ "一般国道55号 桑野道路 一般国道55号 福井道路 事業再評価" [Project evaluation for National Route 55 Fukui Road and Kuwano Road] (PDF) (in Japanese). Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. 29 September 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ 二級国道の路線を指定する政令 [Cabinet Order Designating Secondary National Routes] (in Japanese). Cabinet of Japan. 1953. Retrieved 22 January 2024 – via Wikisource.
- ^ 一級国道の路線を指定する政令 [Cabinet Order Designating Primary National Routes] (in Japanese). Cabinet of Japan. 1962. Retrieved 22 January 2024 – via Wikisource.
