[Anchor]
Seoul's Jamsu Bridge is transforming into a pedestrian-only bridge, barring vehicles for the first time in 50 years since its opening. Total vehicle restrictions went into effect starting today (the 26th).
Reporter Kim Minjeong looked into the reactions of citizens to this change.
[Reporter]
Jamsu Bridge, the flood barometer that was always the first to be submerged by the Han River during torrential downpours.
It is becoming a pedestrian-only bridge 50 years after its opening.
With construction officially beginning last night, vehicle traffic was completely restricted starting at midnight today.
City bus routes 405 and 740, which previously passed through Jamsu Bridge, were both rerouted to Banpo Bridge in both directions starting today, and the Sebitseom island bus stops in both directions at the southern end of Jamsu Bridge were also closed.
During the Monday morning commute, some drivers who came out without knowing about the restrictions were seen hesitating and confused at the fork splitting toward Banpo Bridge and Jamsu Bridge.
[Lee Young-sik / Model Driver, Seocho Police Station: There were occasional people asking for at least a sign to be put up ahead so they would know Jamsu Bridge traffic is blocked.]
However, there was no major chaos.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government predicted that the traffic impact would not be significant, as the number of vehicles passing through Jamsu Bridge last year was one-fifth the level of other Han River bridges.
Citizen reactions remain mixed.
[Kim Bo-kyung / Gwanak-gu, Seoul: Because buses used to pass through and sports cars sped by, it got in the way of taking a walk, so I think it is good that traffic is restricted. I hope it becomes a space where my nephew can run around comfortably.]
[Kim Hee-yeol / Gwanak-gu, Seoul: This morning, I came from Seoul Station to St. Mary's Hospital. It seemed heavily congested for more than 5 minutes. There needs to be some kind of measure, such as adjusting the traffic lights at the intersection in front of the hospital.]
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to transform the bridge into a walker-friendly space through construction projects that include installing viewing areas, transparent glass deck flooring, and various event spaces.
The construction will run until August of next year, and pedestrian access will also be completely restricted for about a month and a half toward the end of the construction period.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
Reported by Kim Heung-ki | Video by Kim Ho-jin
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.