The extension and underground construction project of the Gyeongin Expressway has finally passed the government's preliminary feasibility study.
On the 23rd, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that the project to construct a new 4-lane underground expressway along the 15.3 km section from Cheongna-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon to Sinwol-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul has passed the preliminary feasibility study.
This project involves a total budget of 1.378 trillion KRW to build a new expressway underground beneath the Gyeongin Expressway, while converting the existing above-ground expressway into a general road with at-grade intersections. The Incheon city government plans to reduce the lanes in the central part of the existing Gyeongin Expressway to create green spaces and make the above-ground road toll-free.
The city expects that by duplicating the road capacity both above and below ground, the project will significantly increase road capacity and resolve chronic traffic congestion. It is also anticipated to alleviate urban division and aesthetic damage caused by the Gyeongin Expressway running east-west through the city center.
The Gyeongin Expressway extension and underground construction project will proceed with basic and detailed design after coordinating the upper space plan through a feasibility study, followed by construction.
Location map of the extension and underground construction project of Gyeongin Expressway. Provided by Incheon City.
Although the project initially faced difficulties due to low economic feasibility (B/C) during the preliminary feasibility study process, Incheon city closely collaborated with related agencies and local lawmakers to improve economic feasibility and achieve a positive outcome.
Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok personally attended the key stage of the preliminary feasibility study at the Korea Development Institute (KDI) Fiscal Project Evaluation Subcommittee in December last year to emphasize the necessity of the project. On the 17th, he also met with Choi Sang-mok, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, to request cooperation for passing the feasibility study and early project implementation.
While on a business trip in the United States, Mayor Yoo met with reporters regarding the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s announcement and said, "The underground construction project of the Gyeongin Expressway will be a turning point for Incheon's development. We will do our best to accelerate the project and create synergy with Incheon revival projects such as Jemulpo Renaissance and the Global Top Ten City."
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