Cheongju’s New Underpass: How the 243 Billion Won Project Enhances Safety and Traffic Flow

Translation result

The Public — By Oh Hong-ji: Cheongju city officials said they have completed the Sekhwa level-crossing grade-separation project in Tapyun-ri, Gangnae-myeon, Heungdeok-gu, and fully opened it to traffic at 2 p.m. on the 23rd.

Officials launched the project to address traffic disruptions that followed the closure of the level crossing during widening work on National Route 36 and to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians.

The city spent 24.3 billion KRW (approximately $18.2 million) to construct a 228-meter (approximately 748-foot) underground underpass that crosses beneath the Chungbuk Line.

The underpass eliminates vehicle wait times during train crossings and is expected to reduce the risk of collisions at the former crossing dramatically.

The intersection has been reconfigured into a four-way junction, which officials say will make travel toward Osong, central Cheongju and the Gangnae-myeon town center more convenient.

City officials added that the project will relieve long-standing traffic frustrations for local residents and provide a safer roadway environment.

They described the completion as a significant step in modernizing the area’s transport infrastructure and improving daily commutes for the surrounding communities.