Deck Plate Connection Completed for Incheon Yeongjong-Cheongna 'Third Interconnection Bridge'... Opening in December

The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority announced on September 15 that the final deck plate installation work for the Third Interconnection Bridge, which connects Yeongjong and Cheongna, was completed on the 12th.

On that day, the construction work involved the final placement of a steel deck plate measuring 15 meters in length, 33 meters in width, and weighing 198 tons, at the center of the main cable-stayed bridge tower, out of a total of 67 deck plates on the bridge. With the connection of the last deck plate, the Third Interconnection Bridge has now taken on its complete form as a bridge, and after the remaining construction is finished, it is scheduled to open in December.

Construction of the Third Interconnection Bridge began in December 2021. Following Yeongjong Bridge and Incheon Bridge, it is the third sea-crossing bridge connecting Yeongjong Island to the mainland. The bridge is being built at a total project cost of 780 billion won, with a length of 4.68 kilometers and a width of 30 meters (six lanes in both directions), and is currently 92% complete.

The construction view of the main cable-stayed bridge of the Third Yeonryuk Bridge. POSCO E&C

The main tower rises 184.2 meters from sea level to its top, making it the tallest steel main tower in South Korea. Additionally, among the three bridges connecting Yeongjong International City, it is the only one to include both a pedestrian walkway and a bicycle path, which is expected to enhance convenience for citizens.

Once the Third Interconnection Bridge opens, it will be possible to travel from Yeouido in Seoul to Incheon International Airport in about 30 minutes, reducing travel time by up to 20 minutes compared to using Yeongjong Bridge.

Yoon Wonseok, head of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, stated, "The Third Interconnection Bridge will be built as an experiential and tourism-oriented bridge, featuring a main tower observatory, a waterfront deck path, a bicycle road, and nighttime scenic lighting. Its opening is expected to not only improve residential conditions on Yeongjong Island, but also to positively impact local development and boost tourism."

Meanwhile, the toll for the Third Interconnection Bridge has been set at 2,000 won for small vehicles (passenger cars, vans with up to 16 seats, and trucks under 2.5 tons), while residents of Yeongjong and Cheongna will be exempt from the toll.

The city of Incheon plans to establish a toll reduction system by the end of March next year, expanding the free toll benefit to all Incheon citizens.

The city of Incheon and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport recently finalized the toll after disagreements over who would bear the compensation costs and the amount for expected losses to nearby Yeongjong Bridge and Incheon Bridge after the opening of the Third Interconnection Bridge. The city of Incheon estimates that a total of 296.7 billion won will be required to provide free tolls for citizens until 2039.

On the 12th, Yoon Wonseok, head of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, and attendees are taking a commemorative photo at the site of the final deck plate installation work of the Third Interconnection Bridge. Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority

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