Residents of Jinrye-myeon, Gimhae-si, in Gyeongnam Province have called for the early commencement of construction on the Bi-eumsan Tunnel, which will connect Changwon and Gimhae.
On September 11, the residents held a press conference in front of the entrance to the Gyeongnam Provincial Council, where the 3rd plenary session of the 426th extraordinary meeting was being held, demanding, "Gyeongnam Province, Changwon City, and Gimhae City must immediately decide to begin construction of the Bi-eumsan Tunnel as soon as possible."
Residents of Jinrye-myeon, Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam Province, are holding a press conference in front of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council urging the early opening of the Bi-eumsan Tunnel. Photo by Lee Seryung
They stated, "The Bi-eumsan Tunnel is more than just a transportation link; it is a crucial project that will accelerate the development of Gimhae and Changwon and revitalize the economy throughout Gyeongnam Province." They continued, "Although it is a key campaign pledge of the governor and a core axis of the eastern Gyeongnam metropolitan transportation network, the project has been adrift for 20 years."
They emphasized, "Once the tunnel is completed, the transportation networks of Changwon and Gimhae will be dramatically improved, contributing to industrial development and enhancing the quality of life for citizens. The two cities will grow together as a single economic zone."
The residents added, "We will no longer be deceived by claims that the project is still under review," and urged, "Gyeongnam Province must take the initiative and work with Changwon and Gimhae to make an immediate decision to begin construction of the Bi-eumsan Tunnel as soon as possible."
Joo Bonghan, a member of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council, is asking a provincial administration question about the early commencement of the Bi-eumsan Tunnel at the 3rd plenary session of the 426th extraordinary meeting. Provided by Gyeongnam Provincial Council
At the plenary session of the provincial council that day, Assemblyman Joo Bonghan (Gimhae 5) raised several provincial administration questions regarding the opening of the Bi-eumsan Tunnel.
Assemblyman Joo stated, "Since the Bi-eumsan Tunnel was proposed as a private investment project in 2006, there has been little progress for nearly 20 years." He continued, "The benefit-cost ratio was analyzed at 1.84, indicating that a private investment project was fully feasible. However, opposition from Changwon City and a passive attitude from Gyeongnam Province have caused delays."
He also argued, "If the project is pursued as a national highway funded by the central government, it could take decades just to complete the preliminary feasibility study and detailed design. However, if it is carried out as a private investment project, construction could begin as early as next year, provided the necessary conditions are met, even without a guaranteed operating profit." He urged that the project be pursued as a private investment.
Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province (right), is responding to a provincial administration question regarding the opening of the Bieumsan Tunnel at the 3rd plenary session of the 426th extraordinary meeting. Captured from the official YouTube channel of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council.
In response, Governor Park Wansu stated, "The Bi-eumsan Tunnel is a key axis of the eastern Gyeongnam metropolitan transportation network and an important project to resolve transportation inconveniences for residents and promote regional development." He added, "If the Bi-eumsan Tunnel, which is also a campaign pledge of President Lee Jaemyung, is included in the revised 2nd National Road Network Comprehensive Plan, the project can proceed according to the proper procedures."
He further explained, "If the tunnel is constructed as a private investment project, residents will be burdened with tolls, so it is more appropriate to pursue it as a government-funded project if possible."
He also noted, "The route for the Gimhae-Miryang Expressway has already been agreed upon, and once the extension to Changwon is completed and reflected in the national road network plan, the necessary administrative procedures and budget allocation will follow. The key is to ensure the project is included in the national plan, and with sufficient effort, the construction start date could be moved up."
Governor Park concluded, "However, if a private investor proposes a plan to invest and construct the route agreed upon by Changwon, Gimhae, and Gyeongnam Province within a specific timeframe, we will actively consider it. We will do our utmost to respect the wishes of the citizens and ensure the tunnel opens as soon as possible."
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