Jongno-gu Changuimun-ro Traffic and Pedestrian Environment Improvement Work Completed

Eco-friendly Sidewalk Paving, Bench Installation for Rest, Traffic Environment Improvement Construction Completed in December Last Year... Three Elevators Opened at ‘Sinyeongsamgeori Overpass’ on the 5th

Bukak Skyway 3-gyo Underpass Space

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) has completed the ‘Changuimun-ro Traffic and Pedestrian Environment Improvement Project,’ attracting attention by providing residents with convenient transportation and a pleasant walking environment.

The area around Buam-dong Community Service Center, where Changuimun-ro is located, has frequently experienced illegal parking in front of nearby stores, and the sidewalks have been narrow and deteriorated with several above-ground obstacles, leading to continuous complaints.

Accordingly, Jongno-gu allocated a budget of 700 million KRW from city funds, started the design service in December 2019, and recently completed construction by additionally reflecting the traffic improvement project in front of Buam-dong Community Service Center.

This pedestrian environment improvement project includes eco-friendly sidewalk paving and the installation of benches for residents’ rest, which Jongno-gu has been steadily promoting since 2011.

Eco-friendly sidewalks are paved using only sand and stones (granite). Using granite, a natural material that can be used semi-permanently, allows for long-term maintenance, reduces repaving costs, prevents slip accidents through surface processing, and improves urban aesthetics through edge processing.

Also notable is the securing of a 2-meter-wide narrow sidewalk in front of the Tunnel Management Office, where a resting place combining trees and stone benches was created.

For traffic improvement at the intersection in front of Buam-dong Community Service Center, the existing traffic island was reduced, and a left-turn lane was secured and relocated. Traffic signals and lights were replaced, and numerous traffic signs were installed to minimize confusion, while a raised crosswalk was introduced to ensure pedestrian safety.

In addition, the district removed hazardous trees, integrated and relocated utility poles in connection with the urban decluttering project, and enhanced urban aesthetics by repainting the space under Bukak Skyway Bridge 3 and introducing flora and fauna designs.

Furthermore, on the 5th of this month, Jongno-gu opened elevators considerate of the mobility-impaired at the Shinyeong Samgeori pedestrian overpass. Built in 1992, the Shinyeong Samgeori overpass has six staircases in three directions?Segumjeong-ro, Pyeongchang Munhwa-ro, and Jinhung-ro?and has been managed through annual safety inspections.

Since Segumjeong Elementary School is nearby, there is a large population of elementary students and elderly people; however, the overpass was connected only by stairs without elevators, causing mobility-impaired users to often detour to nearby crosswalks.

To ensure the safety of residents and children and improve walking convenience, one staircase in each of the three directions was demolished, and three elevators were installed. Construction was completed in December last year, and after all safety inspections were finished, the elevators were opened at the beginning of the new year.

Meanwhile, in December last year, the ‘Sajik-ro to Inwangsan-ro Pedestrian Environment Improvement Project’ was completed, thoroughly resolving complaints about vehicle traffic inconveniences that had been consistently raised in the area.

Installation of Shinyoung Samgeori Bus Stop

In particular, it is said that the project was carried out alongside the Cultural Heritage Administration’s Sajikdan restoration and maintenance project to further enhance the dignity of ‘Sajikdan,’ where rites were performed to the gods of land and grain during the early Joseon period.

Kim Young-jong, Mayor of Jongno-gu, said, “We aim to improve convenience for residents and tourists by carrying out environmental improvement projects tailored to the characteristics of each area while considering the mobility-impaired.” He added, “We will pay close attention to ensure that residents do not experience inconvenience due to deteriorated or damaged road conditions and strive to provide a safe and pleasant walking environment.”

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