Wirye New Town Tram Approved by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport... Completion in 2024

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] The Wirye New Town tram project has received government approval. Seoul City plans to start construction in 2021 and complete it by 2024.

On the 29th, Seoul City announced that it has received approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for the 'Wirye Line Urban Railway Basic Plan' and will actively proceed with the project.

The Wirye Line is planned to have a total length of 5.4 km with 12 stations. The 4.7 km main line will connect 10 stations, starting from Macheon Station on Line 5, passing through the planned single-family housing site in Wirye New Town, Wirye Central Plaza, and Wirye Transit Mall, and ending at Bokjeong Station on Line 8 and the Bundang Line.

In addition to the main line, there is a 0.7 km branch line connecting 2 stations via Wirye Transit Mall to Unam Station (tentative name) on Line 8, which is currently under construction.

The vehicle depot will be installed underground in the park area on the northern side of Wirye New Town. A dedicated bridge crossing Jangjicheon and Changgokcheon streams will also be constructed. Except for the office management building, the remaining ground area will be developed into parks and green spaces.

The vehicles will be battery-powered trams without overhead power lines. Seoul City explained that this eco-friendly transportation method using batteries was chosen considering the route characteristics passing through large apartment residential areas.

Park Sang-don, Director of Seoul City's Urban Infrastructure Headquarters, said, “With the approval of the basic plan for the Wirye Line urban railway, a long-awaited project by local residents, we will promptly proceed with follow-up procedures such as basic and detailed design and various impact assessments.” He added, “The introduction of the new transportation mode, the tram, will greatly contribute to resolving public transportation inconveniences in Wirye New Town and revitalizing the local economy.”