"Osan IC Wendong Overpass Demolition and Underground Road Construction" Tentatively Agreed

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] The long-cherished project of Osan City—the demolition of the Wendong overpass at the entrance and exit of Osan IC on the Gyeongbu Expressway and the construction of an underground road—is expected to gain momentum.

This is because, following the tentative agreement reached between Osan City and LH Corporation, upon final confirmation, the chronic traffic congestion in the area is expected to be dramatically alleviated and the cityscape landscape is anticipated to be significantly improved.

Osan City Mayor Kwak Sang-wook announced on the 15th, "Following continuous consultations with LH Corporation since last year regarding the demolition of the overpass at the Wendong intersection in front of Osan IC, a section of the expansion and continuity project of Provincial Road No. 317 (Dongbu-daero), we have tentatively agreed to demolish the Wendong overpass and construct an underground road."

Mayor Kwak stated that accordingly, Osan City and LH Corporation have commenced detailed coordination for project implementation and the establishment of budget plans.

Mayor Kwak stated, "The total construction cost for the Wendong overpass demolition and underground road construction project, as reviewed in advance by LH Corporation, is approximately 63 billion won, and we are currently in detailed consultations regarding the project cost-sharing," and added, "We will promptly complete administrative procedures including approval from the Osan City Council and confirm the project implementation schedule with LH Corporation."

The expansion and continuity project of Provincial Road No. 317 (Dongbu-daero), which is being promoted by LH Corporation as part of the Hwaseong Dongtan 2 comprehensive traffic improvement initiative, was originally planned to maintain the existing overpass at the Wendong intersection in front of Osan IC.

In response, Osan City and residents, noting that large-scale urban development projects are being undertaken not only in Hwaseong Dongtan New City but also in Pyeongtaek Godeok New City and Pyeongtaek Jinwi Industrial Complex, have pointed out that traffic congestion in the Osan IC area would intensify, and have strongly demanded the demolition of the overpass and the installation of an underground road.

The Provincial Road No. 317 (Dongbu-daero) continuity and expansion project is an undertaking to extend and expand the entire 3.7-km section of Dongbu-daero in Osan City connecting Hwaseong Dongtan and Pyeongtaek. Construction began in October 2015, is currently underway, and is scheduled for completion in December 2023.