Incheon City has decided not to proceed with the deep tunnel project proposed as a noise countermeasure for the 2nd Gyeongin Expressway in relation to the Michuhol-gu Yonghyeon·Hakik 1-block urban development zone.
On the 23rd, Hwang Hyo-jin, Global Urban Affairs Deputy Mayor, held a press briefing and stated, "Based on the feasibility review results from the Korea Road Association, we will timely proceed with the soundproof tunnel as a noise countermeasure for the 2nd Gyeongin Expressway, but will not pursue the deep tunnel project due to its high uncertainty."
According to the city, the Korea Road Association evaluated through the feasibility review that the deep tunnel project has low feasibility due to the lack of a cost-benefit (B/C) ratio, enormous project costs, and minimal traffic improvement effects.
Hwang Hyo-jin, Deputy Mayor for Global City Affairs of Incheon, is announcing the results of the feasibility study on the deep tunnel related to the Yonghyeon-Hakik 1 Block Urban Development Project on the 23rd. Photo by Incheon City
The city initially considered the deep tunnel construction project as a long-term plan, but after the feasibility review, it decided to focus on the soundproof tunnel construction, which is being promoted as a short-term measure, due to the high uncertainty of the project.
The soundproof tunnel project aims to extend the tunnel section by 2.1 km in phases with an investment of 420 billion KRW. Phase 1 (0.5 km) is currently 40% complete and is scheduled for completion in October, while Phase 2 (1.6 km) will begin construction in the second half of this year and is expected to be completed in 2027.
The Yonghyeon·Hakik 1-block urban development project began site preparation work in 2020 after the area was first designated in 2009. Since the first move-in of apartment complexes in March last year, the area is being developed into a "mini new town" with about 13,000 households, but noise complaints have been continuously raised as the 2nd Gyeongin Expressway cuts through the project zone.
Deputy Mayor Hwang said, "This decision is a reasonable judgment considering both the present and future of the region," adding, "We will strive to establish realistic policies."
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