Taebaek City Installs Heating Cables at 28 Vulnerable Sites... 'Smart Snow Removal' in Full Swing

Taebaek City Mobilizes for Heavy Snowfall in Winter
Advanced Snow Removal System Covers Even Village Roads
Constant Management of Vulnerable Areas with Heating Cable Installation

Taebaek City in Gangwon Province (Mayor Lee Sangho) announced on January 10 that it has introduced an advanced snow removal system and is making every effort to ensure citizen safety during the winter season, in order to prevent accidents caused by heavy snowfall and icy conditions.

Entrance to Sambang-dong Senior Center. Provided by Taebaek City

Jangseong Elementary School. Provided by Taebaek City

Previously, snow removal work was conducted separately: the Construction Division was responsible for major arterial roads, while the neighborhood administrative welfare centers managed village roads. However, in the case of neighborhood areas, a lack of snow removal equipment and personnel made it difficult to respond proactively to vulnerable sections during heavy snowfalls or sudden cold snaps. As a result, residential areas with a high elderly population frequently experienced pedestrian slip accidents, causing inconvenience to residents in their daily movements.

In response, Taebaek City has significantly enhanced its ability to prevent winter accidents by installing heating cable systems at a total of 28 locations, focusing on areas vulnerable to snow and ice such as village roads, slopes, and sidewalks. In particular, priority was given to sections frequently used by mobility-impaired individuals, including seniors and people with disabilities, in order to minimize the risk of slip accidents.

While the previous labor-centered snow removal approach had limitations in responding quickly depending on weather conditions, the introduction of the heating cable system now allows for the constant removal of snow and ice. This is expected to greatly reduce snow removal gaps and improve accident prevention.

Through this project, Taebaek City plans not only to enhance pedestrian safety but also to reduce the administrative burden associated with managing snow removal personnel and equipment, thereby establishing a more efficient winter road management system.

Solbaram Village Access Road. Provided by Taebaek City

Entrance road to Cheoram Church. Provided by Taebaek City

Next to the gymnasium of Hwangji High School. Provided by Taebaek City

Kim Donggyun, Deputy Mayor of Taebaek City, stated, "Given Taebaek's regional characteristics of heavy snowfall and low temperatures, proactive snow removal measures are more important than ever," adding, "We will continue to expand our smart snow removal policies that prioritize citizen safety above all else."

Meanwhile, Taebaek City plans to gradually expand the installation of heating cables through ongoing monitoring of areas vulnerable to snow and ice.