Oh Se-hoon Visits Seongsu Bridge Site Again Amid Level Difference Concerns

"9cm Level Difference" at Seongsu Bridge Under On-site Inspection
"Concern Among Citizens...Results to Be Disclosed Transparently"
Reinforcement Measures to Be Prepared Depending on the Findings

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has conducted an on-site inspection of the section with a level difference at the Seongsu Bridge connecting ramp. Seoul City has announced that it will implement reinforcement measures if necessary, based on the results of a detailed safety inspection.

According to Seoul City on July 30, Mayor Oh visited the southern ramp of Seongsu Bridge the night before, on the 29th, to observe on-site tests conducted with the participation of external structural and soil experts. After receiving reports on previous response measures and safety management plans for the affected section, Mayor Oh called for the transparent disclosure of all verification results.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is visiting Seongsu Bridge late at night on the 29th to inspect the site. Seoul City

The on-site inspection involved removing the asphalt pavement to check the condition and bearing capacity of the ground. The area where the level difference occurred was not part of the main bridge structure, but rather a section built over soil. Although the city has so far found no issues with structural safety, it proceeded to verify the ground condition to reassure citizens.

Previously, Seoul City removed the asphalt concrete pavement in this area and conducted direct on-site tests beneath the pavement to inspect the ground condition. This was done to confirm that the foundation beneath the abutment wall is sufficiently bearing the load.

A joint inspection by external experts was carried out, along with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans and monitoring of the structure and ground condition using measurement gauges. Up to now, there have been no findings that could affect safety, nor has there been any significant progression of the level difference.

During inspections that began on July 9, external experts concluded that the level difference occurred at the interface between the bridge structure and the retaining wall made of soil, and that it does not compromise the safety of the main bridge structure. At the time, Mayor Oh also visited the site for a focused safety inspection.

Going forward, Seoul City plans to make public all expert advisory results and conduct comprehensive inspections of similar facilities.

Mayor Oh said, "Although no problems have been found in the structural safety of the bridge thus far, if there is anything, however minor, that causes concern among citizens, it is Seoul City's responsibility to thoroughly verify and explain it. We will ensure transparent disclosure of the inspection results and promptly implement necessary measures. Furthermore, taking this incident as an opportunity, we will reinforce inspections and preventative management of similar facilities to uphold our responsibility for citizens' safety to the very end."

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