Table of Contents
- Key to Solving Traffic Problems in the Metropolitan Area: What is the Future of the Incheon-Seoul Underground Highway Project?
- Overview of the Project and Background
- Economic Analysis (B/C) Results: What is the Cost-Benefit Ratio?
- AHP Comprehensive Evaluation: Final Judgments from Experts
- Conclusion and Policy Recommendations: Comprehensive Assessment and Future Tasks
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Key to Solving Traffic Problems in the Metropolitan Area: What is the Future of the Incheon-Seoul Underground Highway Project?
The underground project of the Gyeongin Expressway, identified as a major cause of persistent traffic congestion in the western region of the metropolitan area, has garnered long-standing interest from many citizens. The results of the preliminary feasibility study, which determines the direction of the 'Incheon-Seoul Underground Highway Construction Project' proposed as an important alternative to solve this issue, were announced in January 2025, bringing the news of the project's approval.
Overview of the Project and Background
The main goal of the Incheon-Seoul Underground Highway Construction Project is to alleviate severe traffic congestion by undergrounding the existing Gyeongin Expressway and to improve the living environment by connecting urban areas. The core aim is to solve the recurring traffic jam issues and promote urban regeneration through the utilization of surface space, leading to regional development.
Furthermore, this project is expected to function significantly by connecting the first and second circular networks of the metropolitan area radially and forming a new east-west traffic axis between Incheon and Seoul along with the Jemulpo Tunnel, thereby reinforcing and completing the overall highway network in the metropolitan area. This project is expected to enhance traffic efficiency and greatly contribute to regional economic revitalization.
The current preliminary feasibility study included both the 'Modification Plan', which changes the project plan from the initial request, and the 'Original Plan' as well as the 'Alternative Request Plan' that improved economic feasibility by reducing the number of lanes on the underground road. KDI conducted separate studies based on the 'Review Plan' (4-6 lanes round trip) and the 'Alternative Review Plan' (4 lanes round trip), which reassessed costs through technical reviews.
As a result of the AHP comprehensive evaluation, the 'Alternative Review Plan', totaling approximately 1.378 trillion won, was selected as the optimal alternative, leading to expectations for more efficient project implementation.
This alternative involves a route of 15.3 km connecting Cheongna-dong in Seo-gu, Incheon, to Sinwol IC in Yangcheon District, Seoul, of which 11.2 km will be constructed as an underground road.
Economic Analysis (B/C) Results: What is the Cost-Benefit Ratio?
In evaluating the feasibility of major national infrastructure projects, a key indicator is the economic analysis, specifically the cost-benefit analysis (B/C Ratio). This indicator represents the ratio of social and economic benefits generated by the project compared to the total investment costs. Generally, a B/C ratio of 1.0 or higher indicates that the project is deemed economically viable.
In the recent economic analysis of the Incheon-Seoul Underground Highway Project, neither of the two plans exceeded a B/C ratio of 1.0. The first 'Review Plan' showed a B/C ratio of 0.82 based on 4-6 lanes round trip, while the complemented 'Alternative Review Plan' with a 4-lane round trip saw a slight increase to 0.90, but still did not reach 1.0.
This implies that, from an economic perspective, the costs incurred by the project exceed the quantifiable benefits such as reduced travel time or decreased vehicle operating costs. Therefore, this result indicates that a reevaluation is necessary for future project implementation.
In the sensitivity analysis regarding discount rates and project cost changes, under certain conditions (e.g., a 10% reduction in costs or a 20% increase in benefits), the B/C of the alternative review plan showed potential economic viability. However, the basic analysis results alone indicate limitations in sufficiently securing the economic justification for the project. Considering this, a more in-depth analysis seems necessary.
AHP Comprehensive Evaluation: Final Judgments from Experts
If the economic analysis focuses on quantitative figures, the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) comprehensive evaluation is a multi-criteria decision-making technique that considers various factors such as economic feasibility, policy implementation, and regional balanced development to assess the final feasibility of a project. The Korea Development Institute (KDI) conducted AHP analysis on this project through a team of 12 experts.
This approach enhances the reliability of decisions by reflecting diverse values and criteria comprehensively.
The comprehensive evaluation result of the underground highway project connecting Incheon and Seoul recorded a score of 0.506, which is higher than 0.494 if the project is not implemented. According to the AHP analysis, a score above 0.5 indicates that the alternative is preferred, thus experts interpret this as a favorable judgment for implementing the project, suggesting that the preliminary feasibility study has been passed. This shows that the aspects lacking in the economic analysis (B/C) have been supplemented in the policy analysis. Notably, social values and policy needs related to resolving urban disconnection, improving living environments, and completing the metropolitan traffic network system were highly evaluated.
However, the KDI report pointed out that the AHP score barely exceeded 0.5, emphasizing that the evaluation results are positioned in the 'gray area', indicating a 'somewhat cautious' conclusion. This suggests that a careful approach is essential in the project implementation process and hints at the need to fully address various concerns that may arise during future project progress. Therefore, caution is required in future decision-making processes based on expert opinions and analysis results.
Conclusion and Policy Recommendations: Comprehensive Assessment and Future Tasks
In reviewing the results of the preliminary feasibility study for the construction project of the underground highway connecting Incheon and Seoul, the economic feasibility indicator B/C did not meet the benchmark at 0.90. However, considering policy needs and effects on regional development, the AHP analysis concluded that the project was feasible with a score of 0.506.
This result implies that the project holds significant policy value beyond mere cost-benefit considerations, addressing long-standing needs in the western metropolitan area and restructuring spatial organization in the country.
The report's recommendation emphasizes the necessity to address several key tasks effectively to implement the project.
First, there is concern that if the surface parks and road construction projects are delayed after the underground road's opening, the expected improvement in living environments for residents may also be delayed. Therefore, it is essential to develop solutions to address this.
Moreover, if surface parks are located at the center of the road, the actual utilization rate by citizens may decrease. To resolve this, measures to facilitate easy access to parks should be developed to enhance their practical usage.
Finally, as the cost of constructing the upper road will be borne by the relevant local governments, smooth consultation between the ministry and local governments is essential. This will ensure clarity in funding plans and promote the smooth progress of the project.
If these tasks are resolved, this project could establish itself as a successful case leading to traffic innovation and the restructuring of urban spaces in the metropolitan area.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the main purpose of the Incheon-Seoul Underground Highway Project?
The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve urban environments through the undergrounding of the Gyeongin Expressway.
The Incheon-Seoul Underground Highway Construction Project focuses on mitigating severe traffic congestion in the western metropolitan area through the undergrounding of the existing Gyeongin Expressway. It also aims to improve the living environment by utilizing surface space for urban regeneration and connecting the first and second circular networks of the metropolitan area to promote efficient traffic networks and stimulate regional economic growth.
Q. How was the economic analysis (B/C ratio) of the project evaluated in the preliminary feasibility study?
The economic analysis results showed that both plans did not exceed a B/C ratio of 1.0, indicating insufficient economic feasibility.
The economic analysis indicated that the 'Review Plan' had a B/C ratio of 0.82, and the 'Alternative Review Plan' showed a ratio of 0.90, both assessed to be below 1.0. This means that the social and economic benefits are low compared to the investment costs. Although the sensitivity analysis indicated that the B/C ratio exceeded 1.0 under certain conditions, it remains limited in securing clear economic justification for the project overall.
Q. What did experts conclude from the AHP comprehensive evaluation of the project?
Experts supported the project's implementation based on an AHP evaluation score of 0.506, indicating a favorable opinion and supporting its preliminarily feasibility.
The AHP analysis is a multi-criteria method reflecting various factors including economic feasibility, policy objectives, and regional balanced development. The project received a score of 0.506, which suggests that it is desirable to proceed with the project as it is above 0.5. However, the narrow difference in scores emphasizes the need for a cautious approach and supplementary measures.
Q. What are the main challenges to address during project implementation?
Delays in surface park development, issues of accessibility, and coordination with local governments and the Ministry of Land are key challenges.
The report notes concerns that if the surface parks and road construction projects are delayed after the underground road's opening, this could adversely affect resident expectations and living environment improvements. Additionally, there is a need for enhancement of park location and accessibility, as well as strict consultation between local governments and the Ministry of Land to clarify cost responsibilities for upper road construction.
Q. What are the expected effects of this project on the metropolitan transport network?
The project is expected to enhance traffic efficiency in the western metropolitan area and form a new east-west traffic axis.
This project will directly connect Incheon and Seoul through an underground highway, reinforcing and completing the first and second circular expressway network in the metropolitan area. It is anticipated that this will help alleviate severe traffic congestion and stimulate the local economy, positively impacting traffic flow and spatial restructuring within the metropolitan area.
