Kim Byungsoo, Mayor of Gimpo, Proposes Underground Construction and Park Development for Gyeyang-Ganghwa Expressway
Gimpo City Takes the Lead in Planning for Hangang 2 Compact City
On June 4, Kim Byungsoo, Mayor of Gimpo, met with Ham Jinkyu, President of Korea Expressway Corporation, at the Korea Expressway Corporation Business Support Center in Yeouido and actively proposed the underground construction and the establishment of a new interchange for the Gyeyang~Ganghwa Expressway section in Gimpo Hangang 2 Compact City.
Kim Byungsoo, Mayor of Gimpo (left), met with Ham Jinkyu, President of Korea Expressway Corporation, at the Korea Expressway Corporation Business Support Center in Yeouido on the 4th to propose the underground construction and the establishment of a new interchange for the Gyeyang~Ganghwa Expressway section in Gimpo Hangang 2 Compact City, and took a commemorative photo afterward. Provided by Gimpo City
This request is part of Gimpo City's new town development strategy, which is being led by the city itself with a focus on Gimpo Hangang 2 Compact City, aiming to promote public welfare and prevent urban disconnection. Gimpo City has shifted from the previous LH-led development approach to a city-led model, seeking customized development plans tailored to local characteristics. If Mayor Kim Byungsoo's proposal is realized, it is expected to bring tangible changes to citizens' lives and improve transportation convenience.
On the same day, Mayor Kim stated, "If an expressway is constructed in the Gimpo Hangang 2 District section, the city will be divided and the environment will be damaged. Additionally, installing soundproof walls would inevitably require excessive costs," adding, "Gimpo City intends to present a fundamental solution. Like the case of the underground roadway on the Gyeongbu Expressway, we need a plan to build the road underground and utilize the space above as a park."
He continued, "For the future of the city, I strongly propose the creation of an underground roadway so that the entire Gimpo Hangang 2 District section can be placed underground. I also hope that an additional simple interchange will be established to further enhance accessibility to major tourist attractions in Gimpo."
In response, President Ham Jinkyu said, "I agree on the need to underground certain sections to prevent urban disconnection. We will actively review the aspects where the Korea Expressway Corporation can cooperate while ensuring safety."
Meanwhile, under the 8th popularly elected administration, Gimpo City is actively taking the lead in developing Gimpo Hangang 2 Compact City, which will complete the Hangang New Town. The city is continuing ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Gimpo City, Korea Expressway Corporation, and Korea Land and Housing Corporation officials. During this process, the city has proposed the underground construction of the Gyeyang~Ganghwa Expressway, suggested the creation of specialized planning zones around Line 5 stations, and presented plans for a green axis connected to the Hangang River, as well as an internal ring road system to accommodate future mobility.
Currently, the Gimpo Hangang 2 Compact City project is proceeding as planned, with the district planning application scheduled for July. The Gyeyang~Ganghwa Expressway project is also on track, with construction set to begin after the road zone is designated.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
