[Anchor]
Seoul's Jamsugyo Bridge over the Han River is set to transform into a pedestrian-exclusive bridge, completely barring vehicles for the first time in 50 years since its construction. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will restrict vehicle traffic starting on October 26 and begin construction, aiming to turn Jamsugyo into a space where citizens can enjoy culture and exercise by August of next year.
Reporter Yun Nara has the details.
[Reporter]
Jamsugyo Bridge was built in 1976 as a vehicle bridge connecting the northern and southern parts of the Han River.
[Korean News (1976): This is the construction site of the Jamsugyo Bridge connecting Seobinggo and Banpo. Once completed, the bridge will greatly contribute to dispersing traffic from the No. 1 Han River Bridge...]
In 2008, two of the four traffic lanes were converted into pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, but some evaluations pointed out that it felt somewhat unsafe.
[Kim Geon-hwi / Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province: Because the walking path is narrow, when there are a lot of people, you inevitably have to walk onto the road or something, and you worry about whether a car might come.]
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to turn Jamsugyo into a pedestrian-exclusive bridge with no cars by August of next year.
Seasonal outdoor festivals, street performances, and open-air markets will take place on the pedestrian-only bridge.
[Choi Jae-seok / Yongsan-gu, Seoul: There are parks, water, and the moonlight rainbow fountain. I think it would be great to come play with family. Since there are no cars.]
In particular, transparent decks are scheduled to be installed on a section of Jamsugyo so people can look down at the Han River below from the bridge.
Last year, the average daily traffic volume on Jamsugyo was about 20,200 vehicles, which is one-fifth of the approximately 100,000 vehicles on other Han River bridges.
Therefore, the Seoul Metropolitan Government expects that traffic congestion caused by the vehicle restriction will not be significant.
The Car-Free Jamsugyo Tteobuktteobuk Festival, which has been held every Sunday since September 6, will run until October 25, and vehicle traffic will be completely restricted starting October 26.
Even after construction begins, pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use Jamsugyo.
(Video by: Kim Heung-gi | Video Editing by: Kim Jun-hee)
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