Gukhoe-daero Underground Project Accelerates... Traffic System at Hongik Hospital Intersection to Change on 31st

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will transition the traffic system at the Hongik Hospital Intersection in Yangcheon-gu as it pushes forward with the Gukhoe-daero Underground Road and Upper Park Project.

The Gukhoe-daero Underground Road and Upper Park Project is an initiative to build a 4.1-kilometer underground roadway along a 7.6-kilometer section from Sinwol IC in Yangcheon-gu to the National Assembly Intersection to disperse vehicular traffic underground, while reorganizing the 3.5-kilometer surface section into a linear park spanning approximately 110,000 square meters.

To initiate the construction, the city will close the underground roadway beneath Hongik Hospital Intersection starting at 7:00 a.m. on the 31st.

Vehicle traffic will be shifted from a total of 6 lanes (consisting of 4 surface lanes and 2 underground lanes) to a 7-lane surface intersection system.

The city explained that it expanded the number of lanes by adjusting sidewalks and roadways to secure additional road space.

This traffic system transition is a measure to secure the necessary construction zone for building the underground roadway in accordance with the revised design for the Mok-dong Complexes 4 and 7 section.

Initially, the city planned to push forward with the project by installing a cover over the existing underground roadway in the Mok-dong Complexes 4 and 7 section. However, complaints were raised that this method would create a level difference of about 3 meters, causing inconvenience in utilizing the park.

Reflecting this feedback, the city revised its design to construct the underground roadway deeper than before and connect the surface flatly.

To reduce public inconvenience arising during the traffic system transition, the city is also implementing parallel measures such as improving the intersection signal system and securing temporary lanes.

For pedestrian safety, a two-stage crosswalk will be operated on the north-south crosswalk, allowing pedestrians to wait once on a central safety island before crossing.

During commute hours, traffic control personnel and pedestrian assistants will be intensively deployed at major intersections to strengthen management regarding traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

The city is promoting the Gukhoe-daero Underground Road and Upper Park Project with the goal of opening the underground roadway in June 2031 and completing the upper park in June 2032.

Once the project is completed, green space equivalent to about 3 times the size of Gwanghwamun Square and about 8 times the size of Seoul Plaza will be established on top of Gukhoe-daero.

It will feature large lawn spaces and community centers, allowing citizens to enjoy walking, relaxing, and cultural life.

The city expects that the Gukhoe-daero Upper Park will serve as a core axis of the green and waterfront network connecting Seoseoul Lake Park, Anyangcheon Stream, and the Han River, contributing to the improvement of living environments in southwestern Seoul, including Yangcheon, Gangseo, and Yeongdeungpo districts.

Lim Chun-geun, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Infrastructure Headquarters, stated, "This traffic transition is a process to strengthen vehicle traffic functions through the construction of the Gukhoe-daero underground roadway while creating a citizen-centered green and resting space on top. As we plan to closely monitor traffic conditions and strengthen site management to minimize public inconvenience, we ask for your understanding and cooperation."
 
(Photo provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.