JR Hokkaido (JR Freight) derailment

[bikkuri bahn]

Service has been fully restored today on the Esashi Line in southern Hokkaido after a JRF 20 car container train originating in Sapporo and bound for Sendai derailed in heavy rain at approx. 7:30pm on the 11th.  As of the 14th, 126 trains were cancelled and 16500 passengers affected, disrupting rail transport between Honshu and Hokkaido.  Apparently, the ferries between Aomori and Hakodate were fully booked as a result. JR Hokkaido had to replace 1018 sleepers damaged by the single container flat that derailed and was dragged before the train stopped.

 

I couldn't find any video of this accident, but this newspaper article has a picture of a freight running on the line after service was partially restored:

http://www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/news/photonews/404268.html

 

*here in Sapporo, magazine deliveries from Tokyo area presses have been delayed due to this accident.

[Densha]

That shows how much Japan relies on their rail system.

Is there already or are there any plans for a highway connection between Honshu and Hokkaido? Even if it would take away train passengers.

[miyakoji]

I saw one video about this on YT.  Not a lot to see.  Filmed from a substitution bus:

 

[bikkuri bahn]

Is there already or are there any plans for a highway connection between Honshu and Hokkaido?

 

Probably about as likely as a road tunnel under the Channel.

[tsubasa119]

Wow! Glad it wasn't 2 days earlier, really would have thrown my trip into chaos!

Allastair

[Densha]

Is there already or are there any plans for a highway connection between Honshu and Hokkaido?

 

Probably about as likely as a road tunnel under the Channel.

That's a clear answer.