Uijeongbu City Changes Signal System at Gyoeoseon Intersections to Resolve Traffic Congestion

Uijeongbu City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Donggeun) announced on January 8 that it has improved the traffic signal system to resolve congestion at intersections caused by stop signals following the operation of the Gyoeoseon train.

Uijeongbu City (Mayor Kim Donggeun) has improved the traffic signal system to resolve traffic congestion caused by stop signals at intersections following the operation of the Gyoeoseon train. Provided by Uijeongbu City

The Gyoeoseon is a metropolitan railway line that was reopened in January 2025 to expand the east-west transportation network in northern Gyeonggi Province and promote balanced regional development. It operates between Uijeongbu Station and Daegok Station via Yangju, covering approximately 30.3 kilometers with nine round trips per day (ten on weekends).

In the Seoburo area, where traffic congestion is most severe, the average daily traffic volume exceeds 30,000 vehicles, and the distance between the Gyoeoseon tracks and the intersection is only 10 meters. To prevent accidents such as vehicles entering the tracks by mistake, all traffic signals have been set to red both before the train enters and while it passes through the intersection.

In particular, at two intersections-Sinchon Railroad Crossing Five-Way Intersection and Ganeung Three-Way Intersection-severe congestion has persisted during weekday rush hours due to stop signals. This has led to continuous complaints, with traffic jams extending to the Ganeung Overpass, the area around Nokyang Station, and near Ganeung Elementary School.

To address these issues, the city analyzed signal cycles and reviewed operational plans based on traffic patterns. After verifying the stability of the improved database through simulation and holding multiple consultations with the Uijeongbu Police Station, the city completed the improvement of the intersection signal systems.

The main improvement is a shift from the previous method of setting all directions to red when a train passes, to a new approach that allows simultaneous green signals for straight and left-turn movements toward Nokyang Station and Uijeongbu High School-the directions with the heaviest traffic-provided there is no conflict with train movements. This has helped smooth the traffic flow along Seoburo.

An official from Uijeongbu City stated, "This measure is intended to ensure smooth traffic flow at intersections near the Gyoeoseon and to minimize inconvenience for residents. We ask drivers to pay special attention to safe driving and to comply with the new signal system when traveling on roads near the Gyoeoseon."