Reports of "Irregularities" at Seongsu Bridge Ramp; 9cm Gap Discovered

Citizens have been reporting a height difference of approximately 9cm that has developed on the entrance ramp at the southern end of Seongsu Bridge in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

The gap, which begins at the concrete barriers installed on both sides of the ramp, extends to the edge of the bridge deck road.

The affected area is the ramp section leading from the Olympic Expressway toward Jamsil onto Seongsu Bridge, which is an uphill entrance section constructed with soil and retaining walls.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government stated that it has received multiple reports from citizens regarding the gap on the Seongsu Bridge ramp through the Seoul Facilities Corporation and other channels since last month.

However, the city has determined that there are no safety issues, as the gap has reportedly existed for several years.

"We have been periodically monitoring the gap, but we have determined that there is no safety issue as there is no evidence of the elevated road gradually sagging," the Seoul Metropolitan Government stated.

The city further explained that the center of the road, where vehicles travel, is paved with asphalt, meaning there is no disruption to vehicle traffic.

The city believes it is highly likely that the gap occurred due to a lack of precision during the construction of the bridge entrance, specifically during the soil compaction or the installation of the retaining walls.

Nevertheless, some are raising concerns, citing the past collapse of Seongsu Bridge and the recent collapse of the Seosomun Overpass, and are calling for a thorough investigation into the cause of the gap.

Experts have pointed out that even a 1 to 2cm gap is problematic and that a detailed safety inspection should be considered.

In October 1994, a tragic collapse occurred at Seongsu Bridge, resulting in 49 casualties.

Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video by Na Hong-hee | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.