FODS Trackout Control Mats Implemented in Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway Tunnel Project in Japan: Efficient Site Management in Narrow Access Areas
In Oi Town, Fukui Prefecture, the "Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway Nojiri Tunnel Construction Project" has been undertaken as part of a larger initiative to expand the highway to four lanes. The project aims to enhance traffic safety, reinforce emergency response infrastructure, and promote regional economic and tourism development.
The targeted section involved constructing a new 246-meter-long tunnel in parallel to the existing active lane, along with nine bridge foundations, work platforms, and temporary access roads.
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Site Challenges: Managing Construction Near Residential Roads
The construction site required transporting excavated soil via local public roads. However, in the early stages of construction, the site did not yet have enough space to install conventional wet-type wheel wash systems. These constraints presented a significant challenge, as the site was located adjacent to residential roads used daily by local residents.
Concerns over trackout contamination, such as mud and debris from truck tires and potential road damage due to falling material, needed to be addressed proactively.
FODS Deployed On The Construction Of The New Expressway Nojiri Tunnel Project
Why FODS: Adaptability in Space-Limited Zones, Manual Installation & Proven Reliability
Although the original design specified wet-type steel mud removal devices, FODS Trackout Control Mats were selected due to several key advantages:
- Can be installed manually, no crane required
- Flexible deployment even in narrow access zones
- Easy to relocate or remove as site conditions evolve
- Proven track record, including use by NASA, Toyota, Tesla, SpaceX, MLB, and other respected organizations
Installation Methods: Flexible Anchoring Adapted to Site Conditions
FODS mats were installed based on ground conditions:
- On gravel surfaces: Secured using anchor pins (approx. 1 hour per section, 3–4 workers)
- On steel plate surfaces: Secured by welding bolts to steel plates and fastening with nuts (approx. 3–4 hours per section, 3–4 workers + 1 welder)
Site supervisors and contractors quickly recognized the system as an effective, officially approved alternative.
Measurable Outcomes: Reduced Road Cleaning & Effective Trackout Control
FODS mats effectively removed larger clumps of soil caught in tire treads, preventing road contamination from worsening. While some fine particles remained, the number of road washdowns and manual cleanings decreased significantly.
FODS helped maintain a cleaner worksite and public road interface while reducing labor and environmental impact.
Future Outlook: Ideal for Temporary Yards and Space-Constrained Construction Zones
This project demonstrated the adaptability and responsiveness of FODS mats in real-world conditions.
Particularly for sites where space is limited or heavy equipment access is restricted—such as early-stage yards or areas awaiting expansion—the ability to quickly install, relocate, and reuse FODS mats makes them an efficient solution.
In addition to their functional benefits, the mats contribute to reduced cleaning and maintenance burden, while helping avoid complaints from municipalities or local residents—positioning them as a risk mitigation tool.
FODS Trackout Control Mats are increasingly being recognized in Japan as a new standard in temporary infrastructure materials.
They have proven to:
- Eliminate the need for large-scale equipment during initial site setup
- Enable clean and efficient work even in hard-to-access locations
Based on this case study, continued deployment of FODS mats is expected in similar infrastructure projects across Japan.
ABOUT FODS, LLC.
Based in Centennial Colorado, FODS is working to replace ineffective and costly traditional rock stabilized construction entrances, saving you time and money. Our proprietary mat design works to effectively remove debris from your vehicle tires without damaging the tire or the ground’s surface. FODS Vehicle Trackout Controls BMP mats are 100% Made In the USA and 100% recyclable.
To find out more information on how we can help your project stay on schedule and in compliance contact 844-200-3637 or email us at info@getfods.com.
