Changwon City Finalizes BRT Development Plan

Woni-daero Section 2022, Hapjeong-dong Underground Shopping Mall Construction Starts in 2024

Changwon City, Gyeongnam, aims to start construction on the Wonidaro section and the Hapseong-dong underground shopping mall section in the second half of 2022 and the second half of 2024, respectively. (Photo by Changwon City Hall)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] Changwon City in Gyeongnam announced on the 17th that the development plan for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has been finalized and officially announced.

The Changwon BRT development plan includes the direction for developing the Changwon BRT, such as a BRT system suitable for the city based on analysis of road and traffic conditions, operation plans, linked transfer processing plans, and maintenance plans.

The city is facing challenges to urban sustainability due to social congestion costs caused by the annual increase in private car use, traffic accidents, and air pollution.

To address this, the city is promoting the BRT project, a campaign pledge of Mayor Heo Seong-mu, to introduce a new transportation mode and transition to a public transportation system.

First, as a pilot project, the basic and detailed design services for the 1st phase section of Wonil-daero will be carried out over 18 months. During this period, after holding resident briefings and police reviews of traffic safety facilities, the implementation plan will be approved, with construction scheduled to start in the second half of 2022 and opening targeted for June 2023.

The 2nd phase BRT section on 3·15-daero will conduct a service next year on regional coexistence and development plans for the Hapjeong-dong underground shopping area, with prior consultation and communication with stakeholders. The 2nd phase is planned to begin construction in the second half of 2024 and be completed in 2025.

Mayor Heo stated, "We plan to build a Changwon-type BRT that fits the city's urban conditions and traffic characteristics by improving the unreasonable traffic system and pedestrian environment together," adding, "We aim to transform Changwon City into a public transportation-centered city."

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