Connecting People and Regions: "Yeongyang with Open and Accessible Roads"

Expanding the Transportation Network
for Residents' Safety and Regional Survival

One hour to the nearest emergency medical center.

Yeongyang County in North Gyeongsang Province has designated 2024 as the inaugural year of "transportation nutrition" for the sake of residents' lives and the region's survival. Under the slogan "Yeongyang with open and accessible roads," the county has worked to create an environment where people can travel conveniently. Efforts include the early commencement of the National Road No. 31 alignment improvement project, expansion and paving of Local Roads No. 917 and 918, installation of the Seonbawi Bridge, completion of the Changsuryeong Tunnel, and the opening of the road between Yaean and Cheonggi, thereby establishing a comprehensive transportation network.

Transportation nutrition connecting people and regions.

In particular, to overcome the unique situation of being the only region in the country without a highway, railway, or four-lane road, Yeongyang is closely cooperating with 10 related cities and counties, aiming for the early construction of the North-South Axis No. 9 Expressway. The county has also submitted a "petition of ten thousand people" reflecting residents' voices to the central government, successfully building broad regional consensus.

In June 2025, a policy forum was held to appeal to the central government and the National Assembly regarding the necessity and urgency of these projects.

Additionally, in an effort to usher in the railway era, Yeongyang is striving to ensure that the single-track railway project connecting Andong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok is included in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan.

The county is also expanding policies for transportation-vulnerable groups, such as operating "happiness taxis" and wheelchair-accessible vans. Starting July 1, 2025, free public transportation will be provided for residents aged 70 and older.

County Governor Oh Dochang stated, "Transportation is a right that every citizen of our country deserves to enjoy," and added, "We will continue our efforts to expand the transportation network so that Yeongyang residents are not discriminated against simply because they live in an underdeveloped or depopulation-risk area."

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