In Osaka's Umeda area, a significant traffic disruption caused by a steel pipe that rose unexpectedly to 13 meters above ground has led the city to announce the lifting of traffic restrictions. The steel pipe, part of an underground sewer construction, had been embedded about 1.6 meters below the surface but was discovered to have surged upward early on the morning of November 11. The city has scheduled the lifting of the traffic ban on affected roadways, particularly those beneath the elevated Shin-Midosuji road, starting at 3 PM on the 17th.

Despite the lifting of some restrictions, traffic measures remain in place as the protruding pipe causes ongoing hazards. The affected roadway, which had been completely closed since November 11, will allow only one lane of traffic to flow northwards, down from its usual four lanes. Additionally, parts of the converging lanes will remain blocked to ensure safety, and nearby crosswalks will also be inaccessible to pedestrians.

This incident highlights the potential dangers associated with construction work and the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards during infrastructure projects. The city construction bureau has acknowledged the situation and is working to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to manage traffic safely while addressing the underground sewer project. This proactive response aims to minimize the disruption to daily commuters and restore normalcy in a heavily trafficked urban area.