The path to completion of the Seikan Tunnel

The path of the Seikan Tunnel The idea for the plan to build the Seikan tunnel was conceived before the war. The actual investigation of the surface began after the war, and at the same time the geological investigation of the seabed also began. During this time, due to the Toyamaru ferry accident in 1954, there were cries for an early realization of the tunnel, and brought about the beginning of construction on the Yoshioka investigation inclined shaft on the Hokkaido side in May of 1964. Afterwards, overcoming many difficulties and failures, the main shaft was opened in March of 1985. Three years later, on March 13th, 1988, the Tsugaru Channel line began service. The drama of the men who put their passion into the dream of the “Seikan Tunnel”, a great enterprise came into completion here. The path to completion 1939-1940 The idea for the Seikan Tunnel by Kuwabara Yasuo was planned. 1946 The Tsugaru Channel Water Way Connection Investigative Committee]was established. Surface investigations were started by Kuwabara, Isaki and Sasa. 1953 Geological investigations of the sea bed began with the use of fishing boats. 1960 Sea bed investigations were performed by the submarine “Kuroshio 2”. 1963 Investigative digs on the Hokkaido side were decided. 1964 The Japan Railway Construction Corporation was founded. May 8th, 1964 Construction on the Yoshioka inclined shaft on the Hokkaido side began. Mar. 21st, 1966 On the Honshu side, the Tappi shaft digging begins. Mar. 4th, 1967 Yoshioka inclined shaft reaches 1,210meters, the bottom of the shaft. Pilot drift shaft digging begins. Dec. 1968 Work begins on the Yoshioka construction shaft. Jan. 17th, 1970 Tappi inclined shaft reaches 1,315meters, the bottom of the shaft. Pilot drift shaft digging begins. Jul. 13th, 1970 Work begins on the Tappi construction shaft. Jan. 27th, 1983 The awaited opening of the Pilot drift shaft is finished. Mar. 10th, 1985 All main shafts are opened through. Oct. 21st, 1987 The trial run into the Seikan Tunnel is performed. Mar. 13th, 1988 The Seikan Tunnel, Yoshioka and Tappi Undersea Stations begin service at the same time.