Korea Rail Network Authority, "Level crossings are not allowed... Feasibility review possible for facilities close to the tracks"
On the 28th, residents of Yeoncheon visited the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in Sejong City to hold a protest rally. [Yeoncheon-gun]
[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] The Yeoncheon Hyanggyo Confucian scholars, the Yeoncheon-eup Village Chiefs Association, and the Yeoncheon County Development Emergency Measures Committee have called for the preservation of the existing level crossings in relation to the Kyungwon Line Dongducheon~Yeoncheon double-track railway construction.
Yeoncheon County reported on the 29th, "More than 40 residents, including Confucian scholars from Yeoncheon Hyanggyo, held a rally in front of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport at the Government Complex in Sejong City on the afternoon of the 28th, demanding the preservation of the Gu-eup level crossing and others that are scheduled to be closed due to the Kyungwon Line railway project."
The residents stated, "If four existing level crossings are closed within the 2.35 km section of Yeoncheon urban area, the residents' living area will be divided east and west, and alternative roads will be far away, infringing on the right to travel," adding, "It is unreasonable to close roads that have been used for over 100 years overnight."
They continued, "Although it is said to be a safety issue, many other regions still use level crossings as they are," emphasizing, "Yeoncheon County should guarantee safety management and bear the costs of installing and managing the crossings to preserve the Gu-eup level crossing and others."
Within the 2.35 km section around Yeoncheon Station on the Kyungwon Line railway construction route, where Yeoncheon County Office is located, many residents frequently use five level crossings including the Gu-eup level crossing.
However, as all level crossings are set to be closed due to the railway construction, residents have voiced inconvenience in movement and demanded the preservation of the Gu-eup and Yeoncheon northern level crossings.
The residents are demanding the preservation of the Gu-eup level crossing among the four closed crossings and the construction of a pedestrian overpass at the Yeoncheon northern crossing funded by national government funds, stating they will continue to raise their voices until the opinions of the county residents are accepted.
According to Yeoncheon County and the Korea Rail Network Authority, there are five level crossings within the 2.35 km section from Yeoncheon Station to Gajaul level crossing on the Kyungwon Line railway construction route. The Rail Network Authority plans to completely close three of these five crossings.
Currently, during the ongoing project, the Gu-eup level crossing is being used as a temporary lane and pedestrian path, the Yeoncheon northern level crossing has its lane closed but allows pedestrian access only, and the Yeoncheon southern level crossing is completely closed.
The Rail Network Authority stated, "Level crossings are unsafe," and insisted, "Yeoncheon County should fully fund the construction of a pedestrian overpass-type grade separation at the Gu-eup level crossing."
However, they left room for negotiation by saying, "If Yeoncheon County secures the budget, we will review the feasibility of facilities close to the railway."
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