Seongnam City Opposes Yongin-Seongnam Expressway Route Passing Under Saetbyeol Village, Urges Bypass

Deep Underground Tunnel Planned Beneath Pilot Reconstruction District

"Concerns Over Negative Impact on Reconstruction Project and Residential Environment"

"Bypass Route Around Apartment Complexes Should Be Considered"

Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor: Shin Sang-jin) has officially voiced its opposition to a proposed route under consideration by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for the Yongin-Seongnam Expressway private investment project. The current proposal would have the expressway pass beneath the Bundang Saetbyeol Village apartment complex. Saetbyeol Village has been designated as a pilot district for the first new town reconstruction, and concerns have been raised that an underground tunnel could negatively affect both the reconstruction project and the local residential environment.

Private Investment Project Route Map for Yongin-Seongnam Expressway. Provided by Seongnam City

On August 4, Seongnam City announced plans to ensure residents' opinions are fully reflected during the strategic environmental impact assessment process. The city will also formally request that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the project operator review alternative routes that bypass Saetbyeol Village.

The Yongin-Seongnam Expressway private investment project aims to connect the Maesong Interchange (IC) near the Yeongdong Expressway with the Seongnam Interchange (IC) near the Metropolitan Area 1st Circular Expressway. The total length of the project is 15.4 kilometers, with four lanes in both directions. The initial private sector proposal was submitted to the ministry in January 2024. After passing the eligibility review for private investment projects in February, the strategic environmental impact assessment has been underway since July.

The route currently being considered includes a plan to construct a deep underground tunnel directly beneath Saetbyeol Village, a leading district in Bundang's aging new town redevelopment project. Residents have expressed concerns about increased noise, vibration, dust, and construction vehicle traffic during the construction phase, as well as potential worsening of residential conditions due to installation of ventilation shafts after the highway opens.

In particular, Saetbyeol Village is a pilot district actively pursuing first-phase new town reconstruction. Residents have pointed out that a highway tunnel running under the complex could negatively impact the success, scheduling, and safety of the reconstruction project.

Seongnam City has stated that, once procedures such as the public inspection of the draft strategic environmental impact assessment report begin, it will collect residents' opinions and formally submit its opposition to the route passing beneath Saetbyeol Village. The city also plans to recommend that the ministry and project operator prioritize a bypass route that avoids Saetbyeol Village and other apartment complexes.

A Seongnam City official remarked, "A route passing beneath residential complexes could have a significant impact on residents' living environments and property rights during both the construction and operational phases. In particular, the city will make its opposition clear during the strategic environmental impact assessment, fully considering the unique circumstances of a district facing reconstruction and the concerns of local residents, and will actively urge a thorough review of bypass routes to minimize any damage to residents."

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