Expected to Alleviate Chronic Congestion During Rush Hours
"Pedestrian Safety" Ensured with 30 km/h Speed Limit and Speed Enforcement
The Hi-Pass system at Hakun IC on Gwangju's 2nd Ring Road will open from 2 p.m. on the 31st, expected to alleviate frequent traffic congestion. Provided by Gwangju City
A new Hi-Pass lane has been added to the Hakun IC on Gwangju's Second Ring Road, where chronic traffic congestion during commuting hours has caused significant inconvenience for citizens. This new lane is expected to resolve the persistent traffic jam issues. Additionally, pedestrian safety concerns related to the Hi-Pass installation will be thoroughly addressed through vehicle speed limits and the introduction of new signal systems.
According to Gwangju City on the 24th, an additional lane has been constructed and a Hi-Pass system has been introduced at the exit ramp (Ramp-A, Duam/Gakhwa → Hakun Intersection direction) of the Second Ring Road's Hakun IC. The official opening is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on the 31st.
Previously, only one cash payment lane was operated at the Hakun IC exit ramp, which frequently caused vehicle congestion. During rush hours, long lines of waiting vehicles would stretch from the exit ramp all the way to the Jisan Tunnel, leading to rear-end collisions and significant inconvenience for citizens.
To solve these issues, the city invested 1.35 billion KRW to construct a 120-meter-long Hi-Pass exit ramp, securing two lanes in total. Cash payment vehicles will use the first lane, while Hi-Pass vehicles will use the second lane.
The city expects that these measures will improve traffic flow and reduce rear-end collisions from the Hakun IC tollgate to the Jisan Tunnel, enhancing convenience for citizens using the Second Ring Road.
To prevent concerns about speeding due to the introduction of Hi-Pass, the city held multiple consultations with local residents, Gwangju Police Agency, and the Korea Road Traffic Authority, thoroughly preparing a 'pedestrian safety plan.'
The speed on the Hi-Pass exit ramp will be limited to 30 km/h, with speed enforcement cameras and speed bumps installed. Additionally, new pedestrian and vehicle signal systems will be established to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and vehicles.
Bae Dooyeop, head of the Road Division, said, "With the introduction of Hi-Pass at the Hakun IC exit ramp and the addition of a new lane, we expect to see improved traffic flow during rush hours. We have done our best not only for drivers but also for pedestrian safety, and we hope that everyone's convenience will be greatly enhanced." He also urged, "As the traffic operation system is changing, we ask both drivers and pedestrians to comply with traffic regulations."
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