"Free" Revives Local Economy... Ulsan Yeomposan Tunnel Free of Charge, Traffic Volume "Noticeably Up"

Nearly 20% Increase in Vehicles from January to February This Year

Ulsan City, Dong-gu's 'Masterstroke' for Economic Revitalization

Since the 'free' toll implementation, traffic volume at Ulsan Yeomposan Tunnel has significantly increased.

Ulsan City announced on the 20th that an analysis of traffic volume on Ulsan Bridge for two months since Yeomposan Tunnel became toll-free on January 1 showed a 19% increase in tunnel users compared to the same period last year.

The total traffic volume on Ulsan Bridge also increased by 12% during the same period. It is analyzed that the toll-free policy of Yeomposan Tunnel helped reduce transportation costs for residents of Dong-gu and contributed to revitalizing the local economy through increased tourism.

According to the traffic volume analysis, 62% of the total were vehicles using Yeomposan Tunnel, 23% used the toll sections at Maeam Interchange and Yeomposan Tollgate, and 15% were vehicles using Ulsan Bridge.

Among vehicles using Ulsan Bridge, 95% were classified as small vehicles, including passenger cars and cargo vehicles under 2.5 tons.

In the first month after the tunnel became toll-free, traffic volume at Yeomposan Tunnel increased by 14%, while traffic on the bridge slightly decreased; however, in the second month, February, traffic on the bridge also increased, resulting in an overall increase in total traffic volume.

From March onward, with the arrival of the excursion and summer vacation seasons, the number of users is expected to increase further due to seasonal effects.

Ulsan City plans to continuously monitor and closely analyze traffic volume on Ulsan Bridge to use the data as a reference for establishing tourism policies.

An official from Ulsan City stated, “The toll-free policy of Yeomposan Tunnel was implemented to improve mobility convenience for Ulsan citizens and increase tourists to revitalize the economy of Dong-gu,” adding, “As the peak outing season begins, we expect the number of Yeomposan Tunnel users to increase further, enhancing the effectiveness of this project.”