On July 7, Shizuoka Governor Suzuki Yasutomo approved the construction of the Shizuoka section of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen line involving the ultra-speed superconducting maglev train system.

Suzuki told members of the Shizuoka prefectural assembly that understanding among local residents over the project has progressed.

He said the prefecture and Central Japan Railway will sign on July 18 a natural environment conservation agreement required for the construction.

The Shizuoka governor previously said he would make a judgment concerning the construction based on JR Central's explanations to residents and the status of legal procedures.

Last week, he met with JR Central President Niwa Shunsuke who told him about his company's briefings to residents.

Suzuki said after meeting with Niwa that a certain level of understanding had been achieved.

Regarding the legal procedures necessary for the construction, JR Central submitted all required documents to the Shizuoka prefectural and municipal governments on July 3.

Suzuki's decision marked a major turning point for the stalled project that envisions connecting Tokyo's Shinagawa Station and Nagoya Station in as little as 40 minutes, down from about 90 minutes it currently takes on the shinkansen bullet train.

Trains on the Linear Chuo Shinkansen line are set to travel at speeds of up to around 500 kilometers per hour.