Expansion of 28 Facilities Including Diagonal and Regular Crosswalks Completed... Achievements in Enhancing Pedestrian Safety
Installation of Diagonal Crosswalks at 14 High-Traffic Locations Including Itaewon Station and In Front of Shinsegae Department Store in Jung-gu
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul City announced on the 13th that as a result of continuously promoting the expansion of crosswalks, it installed and opened 28 crosswalks last year alone. Seoul plans to accelerate the creation of a safe walking environment by pushing for the installation of 31 additional crosswalks this year.
Seoul has been implementing various projects to shift the paradigm of traffic policy from vehicle-centered to people-centered. Among these, the expansion of crosswalk installations is a representative project that significantly ensures pedestrian safety and has high public awareness and approval.
In particular, diagonal crosswalks, known as "X-shaped crosswalks," not only greatly reduce the inconvenience of having to detour around but also provide an environment where vulnerable road users can cross safely in areas where pedestrian safety is essential, such as school zones. Accordingly, Seoul completed the installation of diagonal crosswalks at 14 locations last year, including Itaewon Station, in front of Shinsegae Department Store, and near elementary schools, enhancing pedestrian convenience.
Additionally, crosswalks were added to disconnected pedestrian routes to improve convenience. At 14 locations such as Apgujeong Station intersection and the southern end of Seogang Bridge, crosswalks were newly installed to prevent pedestrians from having to take long detours.
Seoul plans to swiftly proceed with planning and design in 2022 to continuously expand crosswalks. A total of 31 diagonal and regular crosswalks will be additionally installed, focusing on major business and residential districts with high pedestrian traffic, such as the Guro Digital Complex 1st District intersection.
Priority is given to areas with high demand and where pedestrian safety is critical, such as major residential areas with many pedestrians and protection zones for children and the elderly. To complete the plan quickly within the year, active consultations are being conducted with related organizations such as the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and local districts.
Baek Ho, Director of Urban Transportation at Seoul City, said, “Crosswalks are very important traffic facilities directly related to pedestrian safety and mobility convenience. We will continue to strive to create a walking environment where vulnerable road users can feel safe by implementing detailed demand analysis and improvement measures tailored to regional characteristics.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
