Project Profile: Haneda Airport Access Line (HAAL)

The Haneda Airport Access Line is a critical railway infrastructure project by JR East designed to establish direct, high-speed rail connections from central Tokyo to Haneda Airport (HND). The project involves the construction of a new 12.4 km line, including a deep shield tunnel, and the strategic repurposing of existing freight lines to enhance airport accessibility and network capacity. This initiative will significantly reduce travel times and alleviate congestion on existing transport routes.

Technical Specifications

The core of the HAAL project is the construction of a 4.2 km double-track shield tunnel running from the Tokyo Freight Terminal to a new underground station at Haneda Airport. This tunnel is being excavated at a depth of approximately 50 meters to navigate the complex subterranean environment of urban Tokyo, passing beneath existing infrastructure including highways and waterways. The project is divided into three primary routes: the East Yamanote Route (to Tokyo Station), the West Yamanote Route (to Shinjuku Station), and the Coastal Route (to Shin-Kiba Station). A significant engineering component is the repurposing of the disused Oshio freight line, which reduces the need for new elevated structures and minimizes environmental impact. The new subterranean “Haneda Airport New Station” will be located between Terminals 1 and 2, featuring a 310m-long island platform to accommodate standard train formations. Integration with the existing network requires complex track modifications on the active Tokaido and Yamanote lines, managed through meticulous phasing to minimize disruption to current services.

Key Takeaways

• Dramatically Reduced Travel Times: The project will cut the journey from Tokyo Station to Haneda Airport from approximately 30 minutes to just 18 minutes, eliminating the need for transfers and providing a direct, seamless connection.
• Enhanced Network Capacity and Resilience: By creating a dedicated airport link, the HAAL will alleviate passenger congestion on the Keikyu and Tokyo Monorail lines, improving the overall efficiency and resilience of the Tokyo metropolitan rail network.
• Sustainable Infrastructure Development: The strategic reuse of the existing Oshio Line corridor, including its bridges and viaducts, exemplifies a cost-effective and environmentally conscious approach to urban rail development by minimizing new land acquisition and construction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Haneda Airport Access Line open?
The Haneda Airport Access Line is projected to be fully operational and open to the public in the fiscal year 2032. The project is currently in the main construction phase.

Who is building the Haneda Airport Access Line?
The project is being developed, funded, and constructed by the East Japan Railway Company, commonly known as JR East, which is one of Japan’s primary passenger railway operators.