Traffic congestion on the highway homebound route expected to ease between 8 PM and 9 PM

Published 02 Oct.2020 16:58(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] On the afternoon of the 2nd, the day after Chuseok, vehicles returning home are congested on highways nationwide, but the congestion on the return route is expected to clear around 8 to 9 PM.

According to Korea Expressway Corporation, as of 4:30 PM, vehicles on the Seoul-bound Gyeongbu Expressway are traveling below 40 km/h over a total distance of 50 km, including sections from Namyi Junction to near Cheongju, near Anseong to near Anseong Rest Area, and near Yangjae to Banpo.

On the Seoul-bound Seohaean Expressway, congestion is observed over approximately 40 km, including sections from Dangjin Junction to Seohae Bridge, Maesong to Yongdam Tunnel, and Iljik Junction to Geumcheon.

On the Seoul-bound Seoul-Yangyang Expressway, vehicles are at a standstill over a total distance of 21 km, including sections near Seorak to near Seojong, and Namyangju Tollgate to Gangil.

On the Guri-bound Capital Region 1st Ring Expressway (Seoul Outer Ring Road), congestion occurs over 13 km, including sections from Hanam Junction to Sangil, Ilsan to Gimpo Tollgate, and Seoul Junction to Songnae.

If departing at 5 PM by passenger car from major cities nationwide, the estimated travel times to Seoul Tollgate are: Busan 4 hours 50 minutes, Mokpo 4 hours 30 minutes, Ulsan 4 hours 30 minutes, Gwangju 3 hours 40 minutes, Daegu 3 hours 40 minutes, Gangneung 3 hours 10 minutes, and Daejeon 2 hours 10 minutes.

The Expressway Corporation expects the total traffic volume for the day to be 4.12 million vehicles.

Among these, it is estimated that 350,000 vehicles will travel from the metropolitan area to local regions via expressways, and 450,000 vehicles will travel from local regions to the metropolitan area.

A representative from the Expressway Corporation said, "Due to the impact of COVID-19, the number of vehicles traveling during this year's Chuseok holiday has decreased compared to previous years," adding, "With this trend, congestion today is expected to be at the usual Sunday level."