Seoul's Yeongdeungpo-gu, Gangbuk-gu, Jungnang-gu, Dongdaemun-gu Begin Full-Scale Winter Snow Removal System
Mechanical Snow Removal Prevails with Introduction of Blowers and Other Equipment
When it snows, the roads freeze solid, making it difficult not only for people but also for vehicles to travel.
Because of this, snow removal during the winter season is a significant challenge for local districts.
Districts in Seoul such as Yeongdeungpo-gu, Jungnang-gu, and Dongdaemun-gu are each working to secure snow removal equipment.
◇Yeongdeungpo-gu Introduces Snow Removal Machines like Snow Blowers and Snow Brushes for Rapid Snow and Ice Removal in Vulnerable Areas
Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon) announced that it has completed preparations for winter snow removal by establishing a smart snow removal system and is now fully operational.
The district will implement the ‘2023/24 Snow Removal Plan’ focusing on mechanical snow removal conversion, customized on-site snow removal measures, and distribution of small-packaged snow removal agents until March 15 next year.
First, to enable rapid snow removal in areas vulnerable to snow and ice, the district plans to introduce new snow removal machines such as snow blowers and snow brushes. This marks a shift from the traditional manual snow removal method relying on shovels and calcium chloride to ‘mechanical snow removal.’
Using snow blowers allows for quick snow clearing with powerful wind without the need to sweep snow manually with brooms or spread calcium chloride. The snow brush moves at speeds of 7 to 10 km/h and quickly clears accumulated snow with a large brush attached to the front of an electric vehicle.
Additionally, the district installed brine tanks and brine spraying devices in the ‘Dongcheon Church (Shingil-ro 40-gil 10)’ area, which has slopes where elderly residents are at risk of slipping or falling. The brine spraying device remotely sprays brine solution, enabling rapid snow removal even in areas difficult for snow removal vehicles to access or during sudden heavy snowfall. The district will also install road heating cables beneath the roads at three locations prone to frequent icing to melt snow.
Furthermore, the district distributed small-packaged snow removal agents weighing 10 kg to each community service center to enable immediate snow removal work on-site. Unlike the previous snow removal agents, which were packaged in 25 to 30 kg bags and were difficult to transport and handle, the small-packaged agents can be easily used by elderly and vulnerable residents in emergencies. The agents are made from eco-friendly materials, reducing vehicle corrosion, concrete damage, and environmental pollution.
Choi Ho-kwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, stated, “This snow removal plan focuses on smart snow removal operations such as the introduction of snow removal machines, remote snow removal, and installation of road heating cables to prevent safety accidents and ensure residents’ safety. We will mobilize all administrative capabilities to prevent various accidents caused by heavy snowfall and ensure residents can spend this winter without inconvenience.”
◇Gangbuk-gu Expands Fleet with 13 Four-Wheel Snow Removal Machines for Sidewalks and 13 One-Ton Truck Automatic Snow Spreaders ... Snow Removal Workforce Increased from 770 to 883
Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Lee Soon-hee) will implement the ‘2023-2024 Snow Removal Plan’ until March 15 next year to prepare for winter snowfall and heavy snow.
The district has strengthened and enhanced its snow removal response system this year for effective snow removal. First, road heating cables were additionally installed at four vulnerable road sections, including the turnaround area at the top of Solsaem Tunnel, bringing the total to 17 locations with heating cables.
Also, to strengthen snow removal on sidewalks and manage vulnerable snow removal areas, the district expanded its equipment by adding 13 four-wheel snow removal machines for sidewalks and 13 one-ton truck automatic snow spreaders. In addition, a total of 167 snow removal equipment units across 12 types, including 2 excavators, 2 cleaning vehicles, 6 dump trucks, and 26 small trucks, are in operation.
Moreover, to ensure rapid snow removal, the workforce has been increased from 770 to 833 personnel. The district has designated 33 major arterial roads such as Wolgye-ro and Samyang-ro, as well as 219 vulnerable snow removal points including the 4.19 Tower intersection and in front of Hyehwa Girls' High School, as priority snow removal zones.
Additionally, the district plans to use a total of 1,750 tons of snow removal materials during this snow removal period, including 610 tons of calcium chloride, 700 tons of salt, and 440 tons of eco-friendly snow removal agents. Continuing last year’s initiative to assist vulnerable groups, the district will also purchase and distribute snow removal agents packaged in 5 kg units.
The district will enter an emergency duty system divided into four stages: reinforcement, Stage 1 (snowfall forecast), Stage 2 (heavy snow advisory), and Stage 3 (heavy snow warning). It will operate a Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters to promptly restore areas affected by snow removal issues.
Lee Soon-hee, Mayor of Gangbuk-gu, said, “Gangbuk-gu has strengthened this year’s snow removal plan for rapid snow removal and is continuously developing efficient snow removal measures for vulnerable groups and residents. We will thoroughly manage snow removal to prevent safety accidents during winter and minimize residents’ inconvenience.”
◇Jungnang-gu Builds Preemptive Response System, Operates River Early Warning Facilities, Adds CCTV, and Expands Flood Safety Facilities
Jungnang-gu (District Mayor Ryu Kyung-gi) concluded its comprehensive summer flood and wind disaster plan period, which started on April 15, last month on the 15th. During the implementation of the comprehensive flood and wind disaster plan, the district focused on thorough preemptive measures and meticulous situation management to prevent human and material damage caused by heavy rain and typhoons, successfully completing the period safely without any damage this year as well.
As part of the comprehensive flood and wind disaster plan, the district formed a dedicated flood and wind disaster response team including officials from the district office, police, and fire department, and operated an emergency response group chat to establish a rapid response system. The group chat shared information on weather conditions, flood and wind disaster stage alerts, disaster recovery and necessary measures, evacuation orders, and risk zone settings, enabling the three agencies to respond quickly in emergencies.
To strengthen close cooperation, the district conducted joint inspections with Jungnang Police Station and provided explanations and special training on flood control facilities to enhance understanding of their operation.
In addition, in consultation with related departments, the district selected 13 landslide-prone areas and 13 flood and wind disaster vulnerable areas with high risk of casualties during heavy rain, and designated dedicated police substations to establish a rapid response system.
Furthermore, efforts were made to expand flood safety facilities, including building a preemptive response system, operating river early warning facilities, and installing additional CCTV. The district also conducted thorough safety management inspections of flood control facilities and visited local semi-basement houses and disaster-vulnerable households to inspect and prevent flooding accidents.
Ryu Kyung-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu, said, “We have devoted all efforts to safely protecting residents’ lives and property through thorough preparation and close cooperation during the summer season. We will continue to do our best to protect residents safely by strengthening cooperative systems.”
◇Dongdaemun-gu Supports Purchase Costs for Snow Removal Equipment in Apartment Complexes
Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Lee Pil-hyung) supports the purchase costs of snow removal equipment for apartment complexes to create a clean and safe residential environment through prompt snow removal.
In recent years, the frequency of sudden heavy snowfall has gradually increased, emphasizing the importance of early snow removal work. Accordingly, the district has allocated 80 million KRW from its own budget to support the purchase costs of snow removal equipment for apartment complexes.
The support target is apartment complexes with 20 or more households, and the district supports 50% of the purchase cost of snow removal equipment such as snow blowers within a limit of 8 million KRW per complex. The application period is until the 14th of next month, and applications can be submitted by visiting the Housing Division of Dongdaemun-gu. After reviewing the application documents, subsidies will be granted to approved complexes by the end of December upon confirmation of snow removal equipment purchase.
Lee Pil-hyung, Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, said, “We are promoting this project to support the purchase of necessary snow removal equipment for each apartment complex so that snow removal work can be carried out more quickly and conveniently. We encourage many applications. We will prioritize residents’ safety and do our best this year as well to create a Dongdaemun-gu free from accidents caused by snowy roads in winter.”
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