Dongtan Forest Ecological Tunnel in Hwaseong to Partially Reopen to Traffic from January 1

Bus Routes to Return to Normal
Temporary Shuttle and Metropolitan Buses to End Operation on January 2

Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi Province announced on December 30 that it will partially reopen vehicle traffic on the 'Dongtan Forest Ecological Tunnel,' which has been fully closed since December 3 due to emergency repair work, starting from 0:00 on January 1 next year.

The Hwaseong Dongtan Forest Ecological Tunnel site, where final repair and reinforcement work is underway. Hwaseong City will partially reopen tunnel traffic from 0:00 on January 1 next year. Provided by Hwaseong City

The city explained that, for citizen safety, only two lanes in each direction will be partially opened until repair and reinforcement work, based on the results of a detailed safety inspection, is fully completed. Some lanes will remain closed.

Accordingly, out of the 27 intersections near the tunnel where traffic signal systems had been altered due to the full closure, 13 will be restored to their original settings. The city plans to operate the optimal signal system in real time in consultation with the police, adjusting to the traffic situation as needed.

In particular, to address potential congestion caused by changes in demand immediately after reopening, the city will closely monitor traffic conditions during rush hours and flexibly adjust the signal system based on analysis results. Traffic control personnel will also be stationed at major intersections.

Bus operations will also return to normal. Bus routes that had been detoured will resume their original routes from January 1. Temporary shuttle buses and metropolitan commuter charter buses will cease operation from January 2.

To minimize confusion related to the partial reopening, the city will actively inform the public of route changes by removing temporary bus stops in advance, posting promotional banners, and deploying guidance staff at major stops.

However, the walking trail above the ecological tunnel will be considered for reopening only after a detailed inspection is completed. In addition, the city will establish a civil complaint monitoring system in cooperation with the administrative welfare centers in Dongtan 4 to 9 districts to promptly respond to repeated or multiple complaints.

Jung Myung-geun, Mayor of Hwaseong, stated, "This partial reopening is a measure to ensure safety while minimizing inconvenience to citizens," adding, "We will continue to monitor traffic conditions and facility safety."