Concerns Over Monday Commute Chaos Due to Road Closures Across Seoul... "Please Use Public Transportation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Due to heavy rain over the weekend raising the water level of the Han River, vehicle traffic has been restricted on several major roads in Seoul, and traffic congestion is expected on the morning commute on Monday, the 10th.

According to the police and Seoul city officials on the 9th, currently, Olympic-daero is completely closed in both directions from Yeouigyo Bridge near Yeomchang IC to Dongjak Bridge. The Dongbu Expressway is also closed in both directions along the entire section from Seongsu JC to Surak Underpass due to the rising water level of the Jungnangcheon Stream. Gangbyeonbuk-ro is closed in both directions between Mapo Bridge and Hangang Bridge. In addition, some vehicle traffic restrictions are in place on roads such as the Naebu Sunhwan-ro.

Road closures on major roads in Seoul are expected to continue until the morning of the 10th. Seoul city plans to extend subway and bus operating hours by 30 minutes during rush hours and last train times from the morning of the 10th until the heavy rain warning is lifted, and to increase the number of trains and buses. During the morning commute, lines 1 to 8 will have 36 additional runs, and during the evening commute, lines 2 to 7 will have 16 additional runs. The last train times will also be extended with 95 additional runs on lines 1 to 9 and the Ui-Sinseol Line.

With morning traffic congestion expected, the police plan to deploy a total of 1,200 personnel, including traffic police and traffic mobile units, at control points and major intersections to manage traffic. A police official stated, "Monday morning commutes usually have heavy traffic volume, and with traffic restrictions overlapping, congestion is expected from early hours at expressway entrances and exits as well as in the downtown area," urging commuters to use public transportation during rush hours.

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