Inspection of Construction Sites Including Wirye Lake Park Station
5.4km Wire-Free Operation from Macheon to Namwirye Station
Travel Time from Macheon to Bokjeong Station Reduced from 30 to 14 Minutes
Revitalization through Street-Type Shopping Area "Transit Mall"
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced, "We will mobilize all administrative resources to ensure the smooth opening of the Wirye Line tram." Mayor Oh also pledged to improve the transportation system of the Wirye area, which has long been considered an "island" in terms of transport, and to revitalize the local commercial district through the launch of the Wirye Line tram.
Mayor Oh made these remarks on the afternoon of the 27th after inspecting key facilities and the interior of the tram at the construction site between Wirye Lake Park Station and Jangjicheon Bridge.
The Wirye Line tram is a 5.4-kilometer streetcar route with 12 stations, connecting Macheon Station (Line 5), Bokjeong Station (Suin-Bundang Line and Line 8), and Namwirye Station (Line 8). The tram operates without overhead wires, instead using a high-capacity 179kWh battery mounted on the roof of the vehicle. This wire-free system not only enhances the urban landscape but also significantly reduces noise and vibration.
Additionally, the tram adopts an ultra-low-floor structure, making it easy for wheelchair and stroller users to board as if on level ground, while the embedded track design prevents pedestrian disconnection on the road. Safety is further enhanced with features such as a forward collision warning system and undercarriage entrapment prevention devices. At the stations, "smart landscape lighting" provides intuitive visual cues for passengers by indicating train arrival and departure status in white, green, and red.
The Wirye Line tram was initially proposed in 2008 as a privately funded project under the metropolitan transportation improvement plan for Wirye New Town. However, it was stalled for over a decade due to insufficient economic viability (B/C ratio of 0.75). In 2018, the project was converted into a public finance initiative by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and in 2021, the "turnkey (integrated bidding) method," which allows for simultaneous design and construction, was adopted, putting the project back on track.
Currently, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is operating the tram along its actual route for trial runs and inspections. From April until the official opening, the city plans to conduct the final phase-comprehensive rail system testing-to thoroughly verify the stability and connectivity of facilities and systems. Previously, more than 5,000 kilometers of preliminary trial runs were completed at the Osong test line last year, successfully passing the first round of verification. In March 2023, a "technical cooperation agreement" was signed with the Korea Railroad Research Institute to enhance the technical completeness of the system's safety and quality.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government expects the opening of the Wirye Line tram to greatly improve convenience for Wirye New Town residents. Currently, it takes about 30 minutes to travel from Macheon Station (Line 5) to Bokjeong Station (Line 8 and Suin-Bundang Line), but with the tram, this will be reduced to just 14 minutes, unaffected by road congestion-cutting travel time by more than half. The journey from Macheon Station to Wirye Central Plaza will also be reduced from 24 minutes to 8 minutes, and transfers between Lines 5, 8, and the Suin-Bundang Line will become more convenient, further improving residents' experience.
There are also high expectations for revitalizing the local commercial district. A "Transit Mall," a street-type shopping area, will be created along approximately 1.5 kilometers of the tram route to invigorate local businesses and create a pedestrian-friendly environment. In addition, special tram lighting will be installed on the Jangjicheon Bridge, and waterfront features such as fountain shows at Wirye Lake Park will be developed, establishing the area as a new nighttime attraction.
After the site inspection, Mayor Oh stated, "Since its approval in 2008, the Wirye Line tram is finally set to open this year after 18 years of anticipation, and we are steadily preparing to ensure it becomes a safe and comfortable means of transportation for citizens." He emphasized, "Through the opening of the Wirye Line tram, we will upgrade the transportation system of Wirye New Town, revitalize the local commercial district, and strengthen the city's competitiveness, making it a successful model for urban development."
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