Shimokita Expressway
The Shimokita Expressway is a two-lane national expressway in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. The expressway connects Noheji to the municipalities of Rokkasho, and Yokohama. It is owned and operated by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and is signed as an auxiliary route of National Route 279, but has no expressway number under their "2016 Proposal for Realization of Expressway Numbering."
Route description
The southern terminus of the Shimokita Expressway is at a signaled intersection with National Route 4 in Tōhoku. From here, the expressway immediately loops from a western heading to the northeastern one. Along the short loop it crosses into Noheji, back into Tōhoku, then into Noheji once more after crossing over National Route 4. The expressway then crosses over the Aoimori Railway Line and proceeds north.From Noheji heading north through the Shimokita Peninsula, the expressway parallels the mainline of National Route 279. After a couple of interchanges, the expressway enters the village, Rokkasho. The expressway's importance in the village is critical due to the presence of multiple nuclear facilities.
The expressway heads northeast while in Rokkasho. It crosses into the town of Yokohama where it meets its temporary northern terminus at the main line of National Route 279.
While the expressway primarily has only one lane traveling in each direction, short passing lanes are available near Noheji-kimyo, Noheji-kita, and Rokkasho interchanges.