Gwanak-gu Relocates Utility Poles Causing Traffic Inconvenience to Prevent Resident Safety Accidents

Confirmed 600 Million KRW in 2021 2nd Supplementary Budget for Utility Pole Relocation to Alleviate Traffic Inconvenience, Accelerating Project 추진

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Junhee) has secured 600 million KRW in the second supplementary budget of 2021 to relocate utility poles blocking pedestrian paths in the area and is launching the project in earnest.

The district explained that although old utility poles located in narrow alleys or in the middle of school routes have caused inconvenience and safety accidents for pedestrians and vehicles, many cases of delayed relocation have occurred due to the principle in Article 72 of the Electric Utility Act and Article 80 of the Telecommunications Business Act that "the party causing the relocation bears the cost," resulting in neglect.

However, following Seoul City's opinion that "in cases for public interest, the district can bear the cost of utility pole relocation," the district decided to actively promote the relocation of utility poles causing traffic inconvenience.

First, a full survey was conducted on a total of 134 utility poles, including 94 resident complaints accumulated over time and 40 poles identified through an internal demand survey, selecting 44 poles suitable for relocation as a priority.

In addition, the district plans to hold regular consultation meetings with electric and telecommunications operators such as KEPCO and KT to conduct technical reviews and design services for each target utility pole and carry out relocation work. Since active cooperation from local residents is necessary, publicity near the relocation sites will also be expanded.

Along with the relocation project, the district will also identify utility poles for which electric and telecommunications operators can bear the costs and request operators to relocate them independently, thereby relocating more utility poles causing traffic inconvenience.

The district expects this project to improve the walking environment in alleys, prevent safety accidents, and enhance urban aesthetics, leading to tangible improvements in residents' living environments.

A district official stated, "Following the improvement of school routes through utility pole relocation around Gwanak Elementary School last year, we will do our best to resolve resident inconveniences closely related to daily life and innovatively improve residents' lives by promptly executing the supplementary budget project through active financial management."

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