【Attached Material (5)】 Countermeasure Concept for Traffic Conditions in the Waterfront Area (Chuo & Hakata Wharves)
１．The Current Situation and Challenges
（１）Congestion in the WF Area
• The main traffic line has many turns and corners, and there are few alternative
routes to the WF area, resulting in traffic congestion caused by buses, private
vehicles, and taxis during large events.
• Congestion worsens especially after concerts due to a rush of traffic, including
pedestrians crossing streets and cars pulling over.
• Inaccessibility to main parking located north of the urban expressway makes the WF
Area easily congested at peak time when cars enter and exit.
Capacity and Location of Parking at Present
ⅲ Appropriate placement of parking
To reduce the flow of facility users’ vehicles into the Convention Section, the following parking will be established at the edges. ① Fukuoka International Congress Center East Side Parking (multi‐story), approx. 1,000 vehicles. ③④ Marine Messe Fukuoka Parking B & C, approx. 440 vehicles. ⑥ Fukuoka Kokusai Center Parking, approx. 260 vehicles.
Additional parking demand, following the development of facilities for vibrancy and hotels, will be responded after examining submitted business proposals. ⅳ Development of a trunk road
The City Planning Road Chikko/Sekijo‐machi Line will be developed to secure multiple main traffic roads in the WF Area, which will result in better accessibility and less congestion.
（２）Enhancement of Public Transport Access
ⅴ Axis of public transport connecting hubs within the city center
Convenience of public transport will be increased by developing a public transport traffic line in the area, as well as pick‐up/drop‐off and waiting areas at appropriate locations.
To enhance accessibility between hub areas in the city center, punctuality, travel speed, efficiency of bus service on a circular route connecting Tenjin & Watanabe‐dori Ave., Hakata Station Area, and WF Area, will be improved.
ⅵ User‐friendly information in the hub areas
※Hakata Pier Topia Parking is mainly used only during large events for taxis and not for private vehicles.
（２）Public Transport Access
• Extra temporary shuttle bus service is conducted for large events. However, the service is fraught with challenges in punctuality, travel speed, and capacity due to heavy traffic especially in the WF area.
２．Countermeasures for Congestion
In the Short‐term Plan, the following strategies will be discussed along with the development of the MICE Vibrancy Zone. These strategies are tentatively drafted by Fukuoka City and proposals for more effective solutions from businesses will be welcomed.
（１）Smoother transport in the WF Area
ⅰ Separation of pedestrian and vehicle traffic circulations
To reduce heavy traffic caused by pedestrians and vehicles sharing the same traffic routes, a separate circulation system for pedestrians alone will be established, with the installation of decks or connecting corridors between second levels of existing/new convention facilities and other facilities for vibrancy. ⅱ Development of a public transport traffic line
To ensure punctuality and speediness of public bus service, a traffic line exclusively for public transport will be established to alleviate congestion caused by public transport and private vehicles using the same traffic lanes. Sufficient signboards and information boards that guide visitors to the bus stops bound for the WF Area, will be installed on the surrounding roads and in station concourses.
（３）Transport Management
Measures to encourage people not to use private vehicles but public transport will be developed.
To alleviate congestion caused by additional traffic during large events, installation of road guide and leading signs to disperse traffic concentration will be considered.
■ Transport Model
■Relocation of Public Parking (Proposal)