"Expressways for Cars Only? Now Transforming into Complex Infrastructure with Power and Telecommunications" Korea Expressway Corporation Backs Mega Projects

Yoo Jung-hoon, President of Korea Expressway Corporation, Holds Press Conference with Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on the 22nd

"We Will Actively Consider Options Once the Government Sets Detailed Plans"

"The underground expressway currently under design after passing the preliminary feasibility study (YETA) is a project that Korea Expressway Corporation envisioned 17 years ago. As high-voltage transmission becomes increasingly important, we believe there is a role for Korea Expressway Corporation and have initiated research in this area."

On September 22, Yoo Jung-hoon, President of Korea Expressway Corporation, stated during a press conference that, as part of supporting the three major mega-projects promoted by the government, the company is considering constructing a power grid beneath expressways. As facilities such as AI data centers—which require large amounts of electricity—continue to increase, timely expansion of the power grid has become urgent. The existing method of using overhead power lines inevitably leads to social conflict.

President Yoo added, "It is not easy to build high-voltage transmission towers, so I believe it is better to utilize existing infrastructure such as roads or railways in such situations. If the government sets a direction, we will actively consider it."

A view of Namyonginna Interchange (IC) on Sejong-Pocheon Expressway. Provided by Korea Expressway Corporation

Korea Expressway Corporation is reviewing a plan to construct power grids alongside newly built expressways and to embed them underground in existing expressways. To this end, the company has agreed to push forward a pilot project with Korea Electric Power Corporation. While designating project sections, they will also conduct technical reviews on how to implement the system in areas such as bridges or tunnels. The company is also exploring ways to connect renewable energy produced along expressways or in surrounding regions.

By contributing to the national goal of securing a stable electricity supply, the company aims to transform expressways from mere transportation routes into complex infrastructure platforms that combine power and telecommunications networks. This initiative is one of nine key tasks established internally by President Yoo following his appointment.

The nine tasks include building a power grid under expressways, developing solar power facilities utilizing road infrastructure, promoting balanced regional growth led by local governments, innovating the business structure of service areas, and eradicating illegal subcontracting, in line with government policy directions or focusing on B2C-centric businesses. Following his appointment, President Yoo has been working behind the scenes to form an organization called 'Project X.' This department is designed to accommodate various projects and experiment with diverse initiatives.

President Yoo previously served as a university professor in the field of transportation and as the most recent president of the Korean Society of Transportation. During his time as president, he was actively involved in promoting legislation for the Basic Transportation Act, which mainly focuses on mobility rights. There has been consistent demand for the Basic Transportation Act to shift from expanding supply-driven transportation networks to designing systems centered on customers and other users.

Due to the decision to reduce fuel prices at highway service station gas stations by 100 won per liter during the holiday period, fuel consumption is expected to increase. President Yoo believes that the company is prepared to manage the increased demand without disruption. On weekdays, highway gas stations sell an average of 6 million liters per day, and during holidays, sales rise to about 10 million liters. This year, with the holiday period being short, demand could increase up to 15 million liters.

Regarding the shift to direct contracts for highway service areas, President Yoo stated, "Since public trust is at stake, we are preparing for this as if our lives depended on it." This year, the corporation is directly managing contracts for eight service areas and has organized an internal innovation taskforce (TF) to ensure thorough preparation. When asked about possible increases in toll fees, President Yoo responded, "The highest-level decision-making bodies are the government and the National Assembly. Our role is to check for any possible leaks through efficiency improvements in operations."

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