"Construction of Gangnam Deep Drainage Tunnel as a Complex Tunnel with the Underground Section of Gyeongbu Expressway"

Seoul City Councilor Kim Hyeong-jae Claims Flood Prevention and Traffic Congestion Relief Could Save Over 100 Billion Won in Budget

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seoul Metropolitan Council member Kim Hyung-jae (People Power Party, Gangnam 2, Urban Safety and Construction Committee) requested on the 21st, after the 2nd meeting of the 314th extraordinary session of the Urban Safety and Construction Committee and the Seoul city-related work report (Water Circulation Safety Bureau, Safety General Office), that the ongoing construction of the Gangnam deep-level stormwater drainage tunnel, a recent social issue, be built as a combined tunnel road that can be shared with the underground section of the Gyeongbu Expressway Seoul city boundary.

On that day, Councilor Kim pointed out that the construction cost of the 3.5 km section of the Gangnam deep-level stormwater tunnel is about 350 billion KRW, and if the 3.5 km section from Gangnam Station to Hannam Bridge within the 6.8 km Seoul city boundary section (Yangjae IC to Hannam IC) of the Gyeongbu Expressway underground project is constructed as a combined tunnel road for both stormwater drainage and underground road use, the construction period could be shortened and an estimated budget of 100 to 150 billion KRW or more could be saved.

He further cited the example of Malaysia’s SMART Tunnel, which is a case of a combined stormwater drainage tunnel and road, urging Seoul city to actively consider this option.

Councilor Kim stated, “The deep-level stormwater tunnel is an essential facility for flood control and prevention of inundation,” but added, “Since the existing Sinwol deep-level stormwater tunnel operates less than 10 days a year, which has caused unnecessary controversy, building a combined tunnel would highlight its advantages and resolve such disputes.”

Additionally, Councilor Kim emphasized, “The Iksu~Gwacheon combined tunnel (a 5.4 km section of a four-lane tunnel and a 3.8 km long storage drainage tunnel under Namtaeryeong underpass in Gwacheon City, scheduled to start construction in 2023) is being promoted as the first combined tunnel project in Korea. Therefore, if the Gangnam deep-level stormwater drainage tunnel is constructed as a combined tunnel, it will greatly contribute by preventing flood damage, reducing budget, and solving traffic problems, achieving a triple benefit.”