Construction of the third sea bridge, the 3rd Yeonryukgyo, connecting Incheon mainland (Seo-gu Cheongna International City) and Yeongjong Island is progressing smoothly with the goal of opening by the end of next year. Alongside this, tourism revitalization projects such as the creation of the '300-ri Bicycle Connection Path' and the introduction of experiential tourism facilities at Yeongjong Seaside Park are also accelerating.
According to the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority on the 14th, the 3rd Yeonryukgyo, which connects Jung-gu Jungsan-dong (starting point) and Seo-gu Cheongna-dong (end point), is 4.68 km long and 30 m wide (6 lanes in both directions). The current progress rate is 45%, showing 104% advancement compared to the plan. Until last year, substructure work such as foundation piles and piers was underway, but this year, with the installation of the cable-stayed bridge towers and the upper part of the bridge, the bridge’s outline will become clearly visible.
The target progress rate for the 3rd Yeonryukgyo by the end of this year is 78%, and the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority stated that there will be no delays in opening by the end of next year. The authority plans to establish a new tourist attraction by building a state-of-the-art nightscape with the world’s tallest sea observatory at 180 m, using the bridge as a backdrop.
Bird's-eye view of the main tower observatory of the 3rd Yeonryuk Bridge [Provided by Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority]
Additionally, among the three bridges connecting Yeongjong International City, the 3rd Yeonryukgyo is the only one equipped with pedestrian and bicycle paths. The '300-ri Bicycle Connection Path,' promoted as a tourism revitalization project in line with the bridge’s opening, is also progressing smoothly.
The bicycle connection path, linking Seo-gu, Jung-gu, Ongjin-gun, Jung-gu, and Seo-gu along a 120 km coastal route, is currently in detailed design and is scheduled to begin construction within this year and be completed by the end of next year. Once completed, cycling enthusiasts will be able to circle the Incheon coast via the 3rd Yeonryukgyo without using the airport railroad or passenger ferries, making it a premier riding destination in the metropolitan area.
The '300-ri Bicycle Connection Path' starts from Jeongseojin in Seo-gu, passes through the 3rd Yeonryukgyo and Jung-gu (Haennan-ro ~ Muui Island ~ Yongyu Beach ~ Haenbuk-ro), Ongjin-gun (Sin, Si, and Mo Islands), then returns through Jung-gu (Midan City ~ 3rd Yeonryukgyo) and Seo-gu (Cheongna Lake Park ~ Ara Waterway) back to Jeongseojin.
The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority also anticipates increased tourist demand from the metropolitan area and nationwide after the opening of the 3rd Yeonryukgyo. They plan to introduce experiential tourism facilities such as sky bicycles and an exciting tower at Yeongjong Seaside Park, with design services in the first half of the year, construction starting within this year, and operations beginning by the end of next year.
Following the toll reduction on Yeongjong Bridge starting in October, the toll for Incheon Bridge is also expected to be reduced from 5,500 KRW to 2,000 KRW for passenger cars by the end of next year, which is expected to boost local economic revitalization through increased tourist numbers and residents’ income.
An official from the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority stated, "We will steadily promote linked projects such as the opening of the 3rd Yeonryukgyo and the 300-ri Bicycle Connection Path to develop Yeongjong International City into a global tourism and leisure city."
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