Won Hee-ryong: "National Road Noise Barriers to Be Replaced with Non-combustible Materials by February Next Year"

Full Opening of Je2 Gyeongin Expressway Before 5 PM

On the 16th, Won Hee-ryong, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, announced, "We plan to conduct a full survey of noise reduction tunnels nationwide and replace the (noise barriers) with non-combustible materials. National roads can be replaced without issues by February next year."

Won Hee-ryong, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (center), is visiting the Galhyeon Overpass near Bukuiwang IC on the 16th to receive an on-site briefing regarding the reopening of the 2nd Gyeongin Expressway. / Photo by Noh Kyung-jo

Minister Won made these remarks while inspecting the site before the reopening of the Sammak IC to Bukuiwang IC section of the 2nd Gyeongin Expressway in the afternoon. He added, "For roads managed by local governments, the managing authorities are securing budgets and making plans, and we will ensure that the process proceeds without any setbacks."

On December 29 last year, a fire at the noise reduction tunnel on the Galhyeon Overpass of the 2nd Gyeongin Expressway completely destroyed 45 vehicles and resulted in 5 deaths. There were also 51 injured. The cause was a fire originating from a cargo vehicle that spread to the noise barriers made of combustible materials. Following the accident, the 7.26 km section from Sammak IC to Bukuiwang IC was closed, and restoration work was carried out. Traffic resumed from 5 p.m. on this day.

At the site, some noise barriers made of combustible materials remain before and after the tunnel, but the government has decided to replace the noise barriers in these sections with non-combustible materials by December. In sections where the noise barriers were completely removed due to the fire, new (noise barriers) will be installed by November next year. Since there are apartment complexes scheduled to be occupied in April next year nearby, the plan is to complete the construction promptly.

Regarding the earlier-than-scheduled reopening, Minister Won explained, "Safety was the most important issue, and we had generously set the reopening date for July. However, after conducting structural assessments, the condition was better than expected." He added, "We apologize for the inconvenience caused over the past five months, and we expect that the many connected transportation networks will operate more smoothly with today's normal reopening."