Notorious for Traffic Accidents, Ulsan Sinbok Rotary... Construction Begins to Change from Roundabout to At-Grade Intersection System

Ulsan City "Reducing Traffic Accidents and Improving Pedestrian Convenience"

A traffic system improvement project to change Ulsan Sinbok Rotary, notorious for traffic accidents, from a rotary to a flat intersection is underway.

Ulsan City announced that the ‘Sinbok Rotary Traffic System Improvement Project’ will be fully implemented starting from the 3rd.

Sinbok Rotary is a high-risk area with as many as 120 traffic accidents occurring over the past five years.

In particular, confusion over internal traffic routes and frequent lane changes make it a stressful section not only for Ulsan citizens but also for visitors and novice drivers.

Ulsan City began analyzing traffic conditions through simulation and reviewing improvement alternatives last year, and after consultations with related agencies, experts, and gathering residents’ opinions in the first half of this year, finalized the improvement plan and started construction on this day.

The main improvement involves changing the rotary structure to a flat intersection so that vehicles move according to traffic signals rather than rotating, thereby reducing traffic accidents.

Additionally, by expanding pedestrian spaces and shortening pedestrian crossing distances, residents will be able to access the area safely and conveniently.

The construction will proceed in four phases, considering that Sinbok Rotary is a gateway to Ulsan and a major traffic hub where five arterial roads?Ulsan Expressway, Northern Ring Road, Southern Ring Road, Daehak-ro, and Samho-ro?connect, aiming to secure traffic flow and safety.

The first phase is a preparation stage for the traffic system transition, involving the removal of the central traffic island structure inside the rotary (Second Industrial Tower) and installation of new traffic signals. This is expected to take about 60 days, during which the rotary operation system will be maintained.

In the second phase, the traffic system will be switched, changing the rotary into a flat intersection. During construction, only two lanes inside Sinbok Rotary will be open to traffic, and the work is planned to be completed within one day to minimize inconvenience to citizens.

The third phase involves sidewalk maintenance, removal of existing facilities, and intersection form adjustments. For about a month, a temporary flat intersection will be installed and operated using polyethylene (PE) blocks.

The fourth phase will complete the installation of traffic islands, lane and crosswalk maintenance, and various traffic safety and road accessory facilities necessary for intersection operation.

An official from Ulsan City said, “Once this project is completed, we expect a significant improvement in the traffic environment, including alleviation of chronic congestion at Sinbok Rotary,” and added, “Although construction will be carried out to minimize inconvenience to residents, some traffic congestion is expected during the construction period, so we ask for citizens’ understanding.”

Ulsan City Hall exterior view. (Photo by Ulsan City Hall)

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