Another Bridge to Cross the Nakdong River... Busan Begins Construction of Eomgung Bridge

On the morning of June 30, the city of Busan will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Eomgung Bridge Construction Project' at the Eomgung Retarding Basin in Sasang-gu, officially commencing construction.

The event will be attended by approximately 300 people, including Busan Mayor Park Hyungjoon, National Assembly members Kim Doeup and Kim Daesik, Vice Chairman of the City Council Lee Jonghwan, city and district council members, and local residents. The ceremony will proceed in the following order: national pledge, project progress report, commemorative speech, congratulatory remarks, and a performance.

The Eomgung Bridge will be a major road project stretching 2.91 kilometers with six to eight lanes, connecting Eco Delta City in Daejeo 2-dong, Gangseo-gu, to Seunghak Tunnel in Eomgung-dong, Sasang-gu. The project includes the Eomgung Bridge and Maekdo Bridge, both crossing the Nakdong River, as well as two interchanges. The total project cost is 344.4 billion won, with completion targeted for 2030.

The city has been pursuing the project since 2014 to meet increasing traffic demand in western Busan and to alleviate congestion on existing Nakdong River crossings. However, the project faced significant challenges, including the rejection of the environmental impact assessment in 2021 due to concerns over the protection of winter migratory birds and other environmental impacts.

Afterward, the city resubmitted the main assessment report, including a winter migratory bird survey and mitigation measures, and developed alternatives by incorporating feedback from experts and residents. In September last year, the environmental assessment was completed, followed by approval for changes to national heritage status in October, and, in June this year, the finalization of the Nakdong River occupancy permit, thus completing all administrative procedures.

Busan City plans to continue working closely with environmental groups, experts, and other stakeholders even after construction begins, aiming to build a bridge that coexists with nature.

In his commemorative speech, Mayor Park Hyungjoon stated, "Eomgung Bridge is a key piece of infrastructure that will connect western Busan, Eco Delta City, and the new Gadeokdo Airport, serving as a future growth hub for the city." He added, "It will bring tangible improvements in transportation and serve as a catalyst for balanced regional development."

Bird's-eye view of Eomgung Bridge.