The toll for the Incheon Third Bridge, which is scheduled to open at the end of this year, has been set at 2,000 won, and it is expected that Incheon residents will be able to use the bridge free of charge starting at the end of March next year.
On August 26, the Incheon Metropolitan Government announced that it had finalized the toll for the Third Bridge, which connects Yeongjong International City in Jung-gu and Cheongna International City in Seo-gu, at 2,000 won for small vehicles (passenger cars, vans with up to 16 seats, and trucks under 2.5 tons).
Tolls for other vehicle types will be 1,000 won for compact cars, 3,400 won for medium-sized vehicles (vans with more than 16 seats, trucks between 2.5 tons and less than 10 tons), and 4,400 won for large vehicles (trucks 10 tons or more).
The city plans to allow residents of Yeongjong and Cheongna to use the Third Bridge free of charge upon its opening, and to expand free access to all Incheon citizens by building a toll reduction system by the end of March next year.
The Third Bridge is being constructed with a total project cost of 770.9 billion won, stretching 4.68 kilometers in length and 30 meters in width (six lanes, both ways). It will be built as an experiential and tourism-oriented bridge, featuring the world’s tallest 180-meter main tower observatory and a riverside promenade. The current construction progress is about 90%.
The decision on the toll was delayed due to differences between the Incheon Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport over who would bear the compensation costs and the amount for expected losses to nearby Yeongjong Bridge and Incheon Bridge once the Third Bridge opens. The city estimates that a total of 296.7 billion won will be needed to make toll-free access available to Incheon citizens until 2039.
At a press conference on this day, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeongbok emphasized, "The Third Bridge is essentially a public project, jointly funded by the residents of Yeongjong and Cheongna and the city of Incheon. Since citizens have already contributed through housing prices and taxes, making access free for Incheon residents is a rightful entitlement."
He added, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport should review and amend the flawed clauses in the Yeongjong Bridge private investment agreement, and Korea Land & Housing Corporation should return profits from land sales and housing sales to fund toll-free access and compensation for losses."
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