Research and Education District
TRAFFIC NETWORK

The trunk roadways of the city consist of 3 north-south and 6 east-west principal roads, forming a ladder-like layout. These roads not only link institutions, the city center and residential areas but also lead to the JR stations, Tsuchiura,Arakawaoki and Hitachi-no-ushiku. Special features of 20m to 25m wide roads are sidewalks, bicycle paths,and trees along the way. Also, in the heavy traffic area in the city center, automobile traffic hazards are reduced and pedestrian overpasses are made easily accessible, by setting auto roads 1.5 to 2 m below the housing level. These principal roads are connected to national highways like, the Joban Expressway, Route 6 and 125 which lead to Tokyo and other cities.

The Tsukuba Express Railway started its business in August,2005 and connects Akihabara in Tokyo to TSC,which is 58km in length ,The Metropolitan Central Loop Road which connects cities of about 50km zone from Tokyo is under construction. In addition, the introduction of a local transportation system that would be appropriate for the center of this city is also being investigated.

With a principle of human safety first, an extensive network of roads, exclusive for pedestrians and cyclists, 48km in total length was built throughout the city. It protects people from traffic accidents and pollutions, and provides pleasant space to enjoy walking and cycling. "Tsukuba Koen Dori" which penetrates through the center of the city plays also a symbolic role as the city's central axis.