Table of Contents
- The Expansion of the Namhae Expressway from Chilwon to Changwon: A Look at the Future through the Environmental Impact Assessment Draft
- Endless Traffic Congestion: Finding Solutions through Expansion
- Details of the Project and Implementation Plan
- Efforts to Minimize Environmental Impact
- A New Transportation Artery Leading Regional Development
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Expansion of the Namhae Expressway from Chilwon to Changwon: A Look at the Future through the Environmental Impact Assessment Draft
The section of the Namhae Expressway from the Chilwon Junction to the Changwon Junction is set to be expanded.
The preliminary environmental assessment draft of the 'Namhae Expressway (Chilwon to Changwon) Expansion Project,' conducted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Expressway Corporation, has been released, marking the commencement of the project.
This expansion is expected to significantly enhance the local economy and the transportation convenience for residents, going beyond merely increasing lane numbers. Furthermore, after this project, an expansion of the Changwon-Jinyoung Expressway is planned, with a 4.8 km section between the Changwon JCT and Dongchangwon IC expected to be widened to 10 lanes.
Such changes are anticipated to positively affect local residents.
Endless Traffic Congestion: Finding Solutions through Expansion
Chronic Bottlenecks at Transport Hubs
The section of the Namhae Expressway between Chilwon and Changwon serves as an important transit point, connecting the metropolitan area, Gyeongsang region, and Jeolla region, as it intersects with the Jungbu Inland Expressway.
However, this section is currently limited to 4 lanes in total, leading to severe congestion due to increased traffic volume. Traffic jams frequently occur, not only during rush hours but also on weekends and holidays.
The presence of large cargo trucks heading towards Busan Port has further exacerbated traffic congestion.
Expanding from 4 Lanes to 6-7 Lanes: A Revolutionary Expansion Plan
To solve the traffic problems, the section from Chilwon Junction to Changwon Junction will be expanded. This section spans 13.06 km from Ogok-ri, Chilwon-eup, Ham-an County, Gyeongsangnam-do to Yonggang-ri, Dong-eup, Uichang-gu, Changwon City.
The main content of this project is to widen the current 4 lanes to 6-7 lanes. This aims to reduce the continually occurring traffic congestion and prepare for the anticipated future traffic demand, thereby establishing a smoother traffic system.
Details of the Project and Implementation Plan
Total Project Cost of 450.5 Billion Won, Completion Target by 2030
This expansion project will involve an investment of approximately 450.5 billion won, with construction scheduled to take place from 2024 to 2030.
The design speed is set at 100 km/h, which is expected to significantly improve existing traffic flow.
The project will be carried out in two sections: Section 1 will cover 7.3 km, and Section 2 will cover 5.76 km.
Major Infrastructure Plans from Bridges and Tunnels to Rest Areas
The major structures involved will include 10 bridges, 3 tunnels, and 1 overpass. To consider the convenience of drivers, two rest areas (one towards Suncheon and one towards Busan) will be newly installed in Bukchangwon.
Additionally, the access facilities will maintain the existing three locations of Chilwon Junction, Bukchangwon IC, and Changwon Junction to prevent confusion for users. It is expected that these plans will facilitate smoother traffic flow.
Passing the Preliminary Feasibility Study, Ensuring Seamless Project Execution
The project started its preliminary feasibility review in 2016 and was included in the first five-year plan for expressway construction in 2017.
In 2019, it passed the preliminary feasibility study, and the necessity of the project was officially recognized.
Currently, essential procedures such as strategic environmental assessments are underway, and the preliminary environmental assessment draft has been made public to residents.
Efforts to Minimize Environmental Impact
Harmony of Development and Conservation: Conducting Environmental Impact Assessments
Road expansion projects inevitably have various impacts on the environment. Considering this, the Korea Expressway Corporation is conducting an environmental impact assessment to measure the project's potential impacts and is seeking various methods to mitigate them.
Transparent Procedures through Resident Opinion Collection
This evaluation process is conducted under the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, focusing on thoroughly analyzing air quality, water quality, soil, noise and vibration, and ecosystem changes caused by road construction.
To reflect residents' opinions, various consultations, explanations, and public hearings have been actively held, and the opinions submitted during this process are meticulously reviewed to determine how to incorporate them into the project plan. Through these efforts, the aim is to advance a sustainable project that harmonizes development and environmental conservation.
A New Transportation Artery Leading Regional Development
Expectations for Logistics Improvement and Regional Economic Revitalization
The expansion of the Namhae Expressway from Chilwon to Changwon is expected to bring vitality to the local economy beyond simply alleviating traffic congestion.
Smoother logistics will enhance corporate competitiveness, ultimately leading to job creation and the revitalization of the local economy.
Moreover, improved accessibility to areas like Changwon and Ham-an is likely to drive growth in the tourism industry.
Enhancing Driver Convenience and Creating a Safe Road Environment
As ongoing congestion issues are resolved, drivers will benefit from savings in both time and fuel costs. Additionally, the creation of a comfortable and safe road environment is expected to positively impact the reduction of traffic accidents.
For local residents and road users who have endured inconveniences for a long time, this road expansion project is welcome news. Once successfully completed, the Namhae Expressway is expected to be reborn as a new transportation hub in the southeast region.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What are the main details of the Namhae Expressway Chilwon to Changwon expansion project?
It is a project to expand the 13.06 km section of the Namhae Expressway from 4 lanes to 6-7 lanes.
This project involves expanding the section of approximately 13.06 km from Ogok-ri, Chilwon-eup, Ham-an County, Gyeongsangnam-do, to Yonggang-ri, Dong-eup, Uichang-gu, Changwon City. The goal is to widen the existing 4 lanes to 6-7 lanes to alleviate traffic congestion and prepare for future increased traffic demand. This is expected to facilitate smoother traffic flow and positively impact local economic revitalization.
Q. What is the duration and total cost of the expansion project?
The project will be carried out from 2024 to 2030, with a total cost of approximately 450.5 billion won.
The expansion project of the Namhae Expressway from Chilwon to Changwon aims to commence in 2024 and complete by 2030. The total cost is estimated at approximately 450.5 billion won, with a design speed of 100 km/h to improve existing traffic flow. The construction will be divided into two sections, with Section 1 covering 7.3 km and Section 2 covering 5.76 km.
Q. What major facilities are planned along with the road expansion?
There will be 10 bridges, 3 tunnels, 1 overpass, and 2 rest areas.
The expansion project includes a total of 10 bridges, 3 tunnels, and 1 overpass to enhance road safety and travel convenience. Also, two rest areas (one towards Suncheon and one towards Busan) will be created near Bukchangwon for driver convenience. The existing access points—Chilwon Junction, Bukchangwon IC, and Changwon Junction—will be maintained to minimize confusion for residents and users.
Q. How is the environmental impact assessment being conducted?
An environmental impact analysis is being conducted according to the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, including air, water, and noise assessments, while collecting residents' opinions.
This project is thoroughly evaluated according to the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, addressing air quality, water quality, soil, noise, vibration, and ecosystem changes. To incorporate residents' opinions, consultations, explanations, and public hearings are actively conducted, and collected opinions will be reflected in the project plans. The aim is to pursue sustainable development harmonizing both development and environmental protection.
Q. What is the expected impact of this expansion project on the local economy and residents?
It is anticipated that traffic congestion relief and logistics improvement will revitalize the local economy and create a safer road environment.
The road expansion will alleviate congestion, allowing drivers to save time and fuel costs. Smooth logistics will bolster corporate competitiveness, leading to job creation and local economic revitalization. Moreover, an improved road environment is expected to contribute to a decrease in traffic accidents and enhance driver convenience, thus raising the quality of life for local residents and users. Ultimately, the Namhae Expressway is expected to establish itself as a new transportation hub in the southeast region.
