Requests for Utilizing Seoul Tollgate, Minimizing Residential Impact,
and Strengthening Transportation Connectivity
Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Shin Sangjin) announced on January 15 that it has officially submitted its opinions to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport regarding the feasibility study (assessment) service for the "Yongin-Seoul Underground Expressway Construction Project," which is being promoted to alleviate chronic congestion on the Gyeongbu Expressway. The city emphasized the importance of citizen safety and strengthening urban functions in its response.
The Yongin-Seoul Underground Expressway Construction Project involves the creation of a deep underground expressway between the Giheung Interchange and the Yangjae Interchange, which are key points on the Gyeongbu Expressway, the main arterial road network of the Seoul metropolitan area. The feasibility study is currently underway. During this process, Seongnam City has provided detailed opinions on matters directly affecting citizens' daily lives, focusing primarily on road and transportation sectors.
In the area of roads, the city suggested reviewing ways to utilize the available space above the Seoul Tollgate in connection with Seongnam's urban planning. It also proposed that the potential for developing a complex transfer center, constructing roads crossing the Gyeongbu Expressway, and building an underground passage connecting to Jeongja Station should be considered together as part of maximizing urban space utilization. Additionally, the city requested a thorough review from the initial stages of site selection and construction methods to minimize residential damage from noise, dust, exhaust, and vibration caused by the installation of deep tunnel ventilation shafts and blasting works.
In the transportation sector, the city stated that sufficient capacity must be ensured for the underground expressway to resolve chronic congestion. Furthermore, it suggested that the development of the Ori Station Area 4th Technovalley and the new high-speed rail (SRT) Ori and Dongcheon Stations should be linked with the underground expressway, and that three-dimensional transportation connection plans, such as highway transfer facilities, should be reviewed.
Korea Expressway Corporation plans to establish a separate operation plan for the Seoul Tollgate to improve the toll payment system and traffic conditions in connection with the underground expressway project. In response, Seongnam City is proactively reviewing ways to utilize the available space expected to be created above the Seoul Tollgate and intends to actively engage in consultations with the central government and related agencies going forward.
Shin Sangjin, Mayor of Seongnam City, stated, "The undergrounding of the Gyeongbu Expressway is not only expected to improve transportation conditions in the Seoul metropolitan area, but also serves as an important opportunity to promote balanced development between the eastern and western regions of Seongnam, which have long been divided by the expressway." He added, "We will continue to prioritize citizen safety and convenience, and will work closely with the central government and related organizations."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
