An accident involving two trucks on the Keiji Bypass in Shiga Prefecture has led to a prolonged closure and significant traffic disruption on both the bypass and the adjacent Meishin Expressway, authorities reported on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The incident occurred on the uphill lanes between the Ishiyama Interchange and Seta-higashi Junction, prompting officials to shut down that section of the roadway. According to reports, the collision resulted in one person sustaining injuries, though further details about their condition have not been released.
As a direct consequence of the closure, traffic backed up for more than 25 kilometers along the Meishin Expressway, stretching as far north as Takatsuki in Osaka Prefecture. The disruption began shortly after the accident and continued for over four hours, with no clear timeline for when normal flow might resume.
Local news outlets noted that the closure has compounded congestion during peak travel times, affecting commuters and freight transport alike. While cleanup and investigation efforts are underway, officials have not yet announced when the affected lanes will reopen.
The Keiji Bypass serves as a key corridor linking Kyoto and Shiga, and its frequent use by commercial vehicles means that incidents here often have ripple effects across regional highway networks.
