Naju City Secures 1 Billion KRW in National Funding for Yeongsan Bridge Reconstruction Design

Reconstruction of Aging Bridge Built in 1972
Detailed Design to Begin in 2026

Naju City has secured 1 billion KRW in national funding for the detailed design costs of the Yeongsan Bridge reconstruction. Photo shows the Yeongsan Bridge. Provided by Naju City.

Naju City in South Jeolla Province has secured 1 billion KRW in national funding for the complete reconstruction of the aging Yeongsan Bridge, officially launching a project to improve citizen safety and the urban transportation network.

On December 8, Naju City announced that the recently finalized 2026 government budget includes 1 billion KRW for the detailed design costs of the Yeongsan Bridge reconstruction.

This marks a significant first step toward fundamentally addressing the safety issues of the existing Yeongsan Bridge, which has accumulated structural fatigue, and upgrading a key transportation axis that connects the city center with agricultural and industrial areas.

Yeongsan Bridge, completed in 1972, has long faced concerns over facility deterioration due to its age.

In particular, after receiving a D grade (insufficient) in a precision safety inspection in 2019, restrictions were put in place in October 2020, limiting loads to 20.1 tons or less, speed to 50 km/h or less, and height to 3 meters or less.

With the newly secured national funding, the Iksan Regional Office of Land and Infrastructure will begin in 2026 with professional detailed design procedures, including structural and route reviews, as well as traffic and environmental impact assessments.

Once the reconstruction is completed, the project is expected to alleviate chronic congestion, ensure the safety of the aging bridge, and improve logistics efficiency, thereby enhancing the overall urban traffic environment.

Additionally, management authority for Yeongsan Bridge will be transferred to the Iksan Regional Office of Land and Infrastructure starting next year. The reconstruction project will be led by the Iksan office, while the city will support the process by gathering resident feedback and coordinating with relevant agencies during the design phase to establish an optimal plan that balances safety, cost-effectiveness, and landscape considerations.

Choi Junseok, head of the Construction Division of Naju City, stated, "Yeongsan Bridge is a vital infrastructure for both daily life and industrial logistics, and the need for its reconstruction has been consistently raised. With the design funding now secured and the project moving forward in earnest, we will make every effort to secure construction funding as well, aiming to create a safe and convenient transportation environment."

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