Hokuetsu Express Hokuhoku Line

The nihongo|Hokuhoku Line|ほくほく線|Hokuhoku-sen is a Japanese railway line in Niigata Prefecture, between Muikamachi, Minamiuonuma and Saigata, Jōetsu. This is the only railway line nihongo|Hokuetsu Express|北越急行|Hokuetsu Kyūkō operates. The construction as Japanese National Railways line begun in 1968, finally completed as the third sector line in 1997.

Unlike most other third sector company lines, the line is steadly making profits. This is because the shortest rail link between Kantō and Hokuriku is to use Jōetsu Shinkansen, stop at Echigo-Yuzawa, and transfer to Hokuhoku Line. However, most of these users are expected to use Hokuriku Shinkansen when it expands to Kanazawa in 2014. The maximum speed at service, 160 km/h, is the fastest in the country, excluding Shinkansen.

Basic data

*Distance: 59.5 km / 37.0 mi.
*Gauge: 1,067 mm / 3 ft. 6 in.
*Stations: 12
*Maximum speed at service
**Limited express: 160 km/h
**Rapid, local: 110 km/h
*Double-track line: Several stations
*Electric supply: Whole the line (1500 V DC)
*Railway signalling: Automatic (ATS-P)
*CTC center: Muikamachi Operation Control Center

ignal Boxes

There are 3 signal boxes in Hokuhoku line. Every of them has 1 bidirectinal through road with straight track in order to prevent speed falling and 1 siding track.

Akakura Signal Box

nihongo|Akakura S.B.|赤倉信号場|Akakura Shingōjō is a passing loop between Uonumakyūryō and Misashima in Tōkamachi, Niigata. It is in Akakura tunnel.

Yakushitōge Signal Box

nihongo|Yakushitōge S.B.|薬師峠信号場|Yakushitōge Shingōjō is a passing loop between Tōkamachi and Matsudai in Tōkamachi, Niigata. It is in Yakushitōge tunnel.

Gimyō Signal Box

nihongo|Gimyō S.B.|儀明信号場|Gimyō Shingōjō is a passing loop between Matsudai and Hokuhoku-Ōshima in Tōkamachi, Niigata. It is in Nabetaniyama tunnel.

ee also

*List of railway companies in Japan
*List of railway lines in Japan

External links

*ja icon [http://www.hokuhoku.co.jp/ Hokuetsu Express official website]