Heavy Snowfall Presumed to Be the Cause of the Accident
Korea Expressway Corporation announced on the 4th that around 6:30 PM, part of the tollbooth roof structure (canopy) collapsed at the Chuncheon Tollgate exit on the Jungang Expressway. Fallen panels blocked the Hi-Pass lane, temporarily halting vehicle traffic.
According to the Expressway Corporation, the cause of the accident is presumed to be heavy snowfall, and the exact details are under investigation. Due to this accident, some of the sandwich panels covering the tollbooth roof fell, making the Hi-Pass lane unusable.
As of 9:40 PM on the 4th, the scene at Chuncheon Service Area on the Jungang Expressway. Korea Expressway Corporation Road Plus website
So far, no casualties or vehicle damages have been confirmed. The accident caused temporary traffic congestion over a distance of about 5 km, but normal traffic flow has been restored through emergency measures.
The Expressway Corporation is operating the Chuncheon Tollgate exit Hi-Pass lane as a temporary lane and plans to reopen it from 11 PM on the same day.
The multi-lane Hi-Pass lane at the entrance is also closed for safety inspection.
Vehicles equipped with Hi-Pass must use the general Hi-Pass lane shared with cargo trucks.
The Hi-Pass lane where the accident occurred is expected to reopen within 2 to 3 days after a safety inspection by experts.
The Expressway Corporation stated, "Since congestion is expected during tomorrow’s morning rush hour, we ask drivers to allow extra time for travel," and added, "We will work to improve the situation to prevent such inconveniences in the future."
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