Songpa-gu Focuses on Improving Transportation System Including Full-Scale Implementation of Wirye Line Tram

Efforts on Metropolitan Traffic Measures Including Wirye-seo Road Opening... Leading Fine Dust Measures with Certified Fine Dust Apartments

Songpa-gu, the first autonomous district in the nation to introduce fine dust cleaning vehicles

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) has made efforts to promote pledges in the fields of transportation, urban development, and environment, such as the Wirye New Town metropolitan transportation measures and fine dust reduction measures, laying the foundation for future development.

The district selected 21 projects?the most among the pledges of the 7th local government term?directly related to residents' quality of life in transportation, urban, and environmental sectors, and has been accelerating their implementation.

As a result, projects aimed at creating a pleasant living environment and expanding infrastructure were completed ahead of schedule. These include expanding green spaces and reorganizing neighborhood parks, improving the Songpa-daero traffic system (TSM), constructing the Wirye-Dongbu arterial road connecting interchange (IC), and creating a pedestrian-friendly Rodeo Street.

In particular, the district devoted significant efforts to the 'Wirye New Town Metropolitan Transportation Measures,' a key challenge arising from the development of Wirye New Town, accelerating the projects.

The 'Wirye Line Tram' is preparing for design and construction following the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's approval of the basic plan for the Wirye Line urban railway and confirmation of the design-build contract method at the end of last October. The 'Wirye Sinsa Line,' which had been stalled for over 10 years, has been revitalized with the selection of a preferred negotiation partner earlier this year, aiming for construction to start in 2022.

The 'Wirye-ro Traffic Improvement' project also achieved its goal of early completion. This project was promoted to alleviate traffic congestion on Songpa-daero and connect the previously disconnected Wirye New Town and Geoyeo-dong. Since 2018, two lanes in each direction have been opened sequentially, and on July 31 of this year, construction of all six lanes in both directions was completed, opening the entire roadway.

The district also worked collaboratively with other local governments to resolve issues and alleviate even minor inconveniences for residents. For example, the hiking trail at the lower part of the Namhansanseong West Gate, frequently used by Songpa residents, required facility improvements due to aging.

Accordingly, the district secured 700 million KRW in national funds and led cooperation with Hanam City to promote the 'Namhansanseong Hiking Trail and Restroom Maintenance Project.' Decking, safety railings, and restrooms were installed on the trail to ensure residents' convenience and safety.

This is regarded as a wise solution to a problem where residents had to bear inconveniences due to the characteristics of administrative boundaries.

Additionally, the district has been actively working to improve residents' quality of life by swiftly implementing fine dust reduction measures, such as introducing the first ultra-small cleaning vehicle for fine dust removal in a district and implementing the nation's first fine dust reduction apartment certification system.

Tram Example_Osong Streetcar Test Line...From the October 29 Seoul City announcement 'Approval of Wirye Line Streetcar Basic Plan' press release

Mayor Park Seong-su stated, “Issues related to transportation, urban development, and environment are challenges that must be resolved for urban development,” adding, “We will not be satisfied with short-term achievements but will faithfully complete the pledged projects to enhance Songpa’s future value.”

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