[Anchor]

Seoul's Jamsu Bridge is transforming into a pedestrian-only bridge, banning all vehicles for the first time in 50 years since its opening. Traffic controls and construction are set to begin on the 26th. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced plans to turn Jamsu Bridge into a space blending culture and relaxation by August of next year.

Here is a report by reporter Yun Nara.

[Reporter]

Jamsu Bridge was built in 1976 as a vehicular bridge connecting the northern and southern parts of the Han River.

[Korean Newsreel (1976): This is the construction site of Jamsu Bridge connecting Seobinggo and Banpo. Once Jamsu Bridge is completed, it will greatly contribute to distributing the traffic volume of the First Hangang Bridge….]

In 2008, two of the four lanes were converted into pathways for pedestrians and bicycles, but some evaluations pointed out that it felt somewhat unsafe.

[Kim Geon-hwi / Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province: Because the walkways are narrow, when there are a lot of people moving around, if you inevitably have to walk on the road, you worry whether a car might be coming.]

The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to turn Jamsu Bridge into a pedestrian-only bridge by August of next year.

The pedestrian-only bridge will feature seasonal outdoor festivals, street performances, and riverside night markets.

[Choi Jae-seok / Yongsan-gu, Seoul: There are parks, water, and the moonlight rainbow fountain. I think it will be great to come play with family. Especially since cars won't be running.]

In particular, transparent decks will be installed on some sections of Jamsu Bridge so people can look down at the Han River below from the bridge.

Last year, the average daily traffic volume on Jamsu Bridge was about 20,200 vehicles, which is one-fifth of the roughly 100,000 vehicles seen on other Han River bridges.

Therefore, the Seoul Metropolitan Government expects that traffic congestion caused by the vehicle restrictions will not be significant.

The "Car-Free Jamsu Bridge Ttobuk Ttobuk Festival," which has been held every Sunday since September 6, will run until the 25th, and vehicle operations will be completely restricted starting from the 26th.

Even after construction begins, pedestrians and bicyclists will continue to be able to use Jamsu Bridge.

(Video by: Kim Heung-ki | Video Editing by: Kim Jun-hee)