Removal of Cheonggye Overpass, Traffic as Usual

On July 1, the Cheonggye stream restoration project began with the removal of Cheonggye overpass.

On the same day, at 2:00 p.m., Seoul city officials held a groundbreaking ceremony at Cheonggye-2ga, Janggyo-dong, Jung-gu. Lee Myung-bark, Mayor of Seoul, Han Myung-suk, Minister of the Environment, various government officials, politicians and about 3,000 citizens were in attendance at the event.

The removal of the overpass will be completed by the end of October and the restoration of Cheonggye stream will continue until the end of September 2005.

There were concerns of mass traffic jams coinciding with the railway strike and closing of Cheonggye overpass however with exception of certain sectors, morning rush hour was normal for the most part.

According to city traffic reports, today`s traffic volume during the morning rush hour (7:00-9:00 a.m.) was in fact less than the previous day by 3.9% (1522 vehicles).

Traffic speeds in the city fell by 2.7% but studies show that traffic speeds in the city limit and outer roads increased by 9.5%. The morning rush hour began at 7:45 a.m. and gradually returned to normal an hour later.

On the expressway, certain areas fell victim to traffic jams however the average speed on the Eastern Arterial Road was 48km/hr, a 100% increase from normal. Speeds on the Olympic Expressway were 35.1km/hr, a 22.2% increase from normal.

Traffic flow in the Gwangnaru road intersection in Gangdong-gu and Songpa-gu, Hwarang-ro, Walgae-ro and Mungwoo-ro leading to Gang-buk, Nowon and Donbong-gu were also smoother.

However there were severe traffic jams at Wangsan-ro, Samyang-ro and Wangship-ri roads with the average speed of about 8~10km/hr. One-way streets and multiple roadway policies were in effect on Daehak-ro and Changgyeonggung-ro.

The recently opened Dumugae-gil and Majang-ro raods replacing Cheonggye overpass were utilized and traffic on each road increased by 19.7% and 39.9% respectively.

“Traffic on the first day of construction was better than expected,” said Seoul`s Public Traffic Improvement Policy aide, Eum Sung-gik. “However if drivers resort to private vehicles again traffic will be worse than ever.” He urged citizens to utilize whatever public transportation services at their disposal.

`ROTIS`, a traffic information provider is currently supplying real-time traffic information related to the Cheonggye restoration project through their Internet site (www.roadi.com). The site provides guidance to alternate routes, nearby roads, and quicker routes. Membership is free.

Sang-Keun Song songmoon@donga.com