Police to Implement Variable Speed Limits on Seohae Bridge

Additional Unmarked Patrol Cars and Enforcement in Adverse Weather

To prevent major traffic accidents caused by worsening weather conditions such as rain, snow, and fog, a 'variable speed limit' will be implemented on key sections of the Seohae Bridge.

The National Police Agency announced on the 24th that, starting from March 1, when it rains on the Seohae Bridge and the road surface is wet, or when snowfall is less than 20 mm, drivers will be required to slow down to 80% of the posted speed limit. When visibility is 100 meters or less due to heavy rain, heavy snow, or fog, or when snowfall is 20 mm or more, drivers must maintain a speed at 50% of the posted speed limit.

Seohae Bridge on the Seohaean Expressway in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. The Asia Business Daily DB

Over the past three years, an annual average of 6.7 people have died in traffic accidents on expressways caused by adverse weather and poor road conditions. Last year, 29 accidents occurred due to poor visibility caused by rain, snow, and fog, injuring 58 people, and 80 skidding accidents resulted in 9 deaths and 172 injuries. The police warned that accidents in which visibility is obscured by fog or ice, or vehicles skid, often lead to chain-reaction collisions with severe casualties.

When weather conditions deteriorate, the police plan to deploy additional unmarked patrol cars for enforcement. Near the enforcement sections, banners and electronic signboards will be used to inform drivers of the 'duty to reduce speed in severe weather' and 'enforcement by unmarked patrol cars'.

Since October 2022, the police have been publicizing this variable speed limit and conducting a guidance period on the Seohae Bridge, where variable speed limit signs (VSL) and section control equipment have been installed. Going forward, in cooperation with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, they plan to gradually expand the variable speed limit system to 121 locations that are vulnerable to icing.