Suncheon-si's Patchwork Road Administration... Causing Citizen Inconvenience and Greater Danger

Interdepartmental Coordination Needed... Fundamental Cause Removal Must Take Priority

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] At the road construction site commissioned by Suncheon City, the absence of disaster prevention measures and safety guide signs is increasing inconvenience and dissatisfaction among innocent citizens.

The area along Gangbyeon-ro, from the Airfield Samgeori to Jogokgyo Intersection, is frequently congested even under normal circumstances. However, due to the construction, no detour guide signs have been installed, causing vehicles trapped on Gangbyeon-ro to endure multiple signal waits while passing through the project section, resulting in significant inconvenience.

The project section is approximately 300 meters long, with narrow road and sidewalk widths, making it a high-risk area with frequent citizen inconvenience.

In response, the Suncheon City Road Division stated, "The roots of the approximately 10-meter-high Metasequoia trees protrude and damage the pavement blocks, and drainage maintenance is necessary, so we are carrying out this project along with road resurfacing."

However, the construction company is cutting some of the Metasequoia roots to align the road surface and height due to drainage work, raising concerns that during the upcoming rainy season, the roots may rot or the towering 10-meter-high Metasequoia trees could fall during typhoons, posing a significant risk.

Additionally, the area around Gangbyeon-ro has detached houses located lower than the road, making the 10-meter-high Metasequoia trees a threatening presence. Although this area requires consideration for street tree replacement, the Road Division responsible for the construction proceeded with the project independently without consulting related departments.

If the Road Division recognized the safety threat posed by the 10-meter-high street trees, there should have been coordination with the Parks and Greenery Division, which is responsible for tree maintenance and replacement. However, it was revealed that the Parks and Greenery Division was not informed in advance about the road resurfacing and pavement block replacement work in the project section.

A Suncheon City official stated, "The damage to the sidewalk caused by the Metasequoia roots has resulted in construction costs amounting to hundreds of millions of won, which could be a waste of tax money. If it poses a safety hazard, it would be better to replace the street trees."

Citizen A commented, "While it is natural to carry out road resurfacing to reduce citizen inconvenience and risk, fundamental solutions should be made through interdepartmental coordination. Patchwork administration that wastes citizens' taxes and exposes them to greater risks is inappropriate," criticizing the current approach.

Most local residents agreed, saying, "The sidewalk is narrow, and the Metasequoia trees are too large, leaving no space even for the bicycle lane. This area requires street tree replacement, and it is time to promptly reconsider the project."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.