Jangheung County is enhancing its collaboration with the Iksan Regional Land Management Office to improve local transportation networks and road safety. The county has identified the four-lane expansion of National Route 23, spanning from Daedeok Yeonji to Sunji, as a key priority and is requesting funding for design costs in the upcoming year.
On October 15, Baek Seung-ho, the director of the Iksan Regional Land Management Office, visited the county office to discuss the direction and cooperation for major social overhead capital (SOC) projects with Jangheung County Mayor Sa Soon-moon.
The meeting included discussions among Baek and other officials from the Iksan office, as well as Jangheung County representatives, focusing on expanding the local road network and improving traffic conditions.
The most urgent project proposed by the county is the four-lane expansion of National Route 23, which will cover a total length of 20.1 kilometers and require an investment of 369.4 billion won.
Jangheung County believes that expanding this section of road will significantly enhance accessibility between regions and improve traffic conditions, prompting a request for expedited project implementation.
To facilitate this, the county has proposed that the government budget for 2027 include 4.8 billion won for basic and detailed design services. Securing these design funds is seen as a crucial step in advancing the project, and the county plans to continue discussions with relevant agencies.
Additionally, the county requested cooperation from the Iksan office regarding two issues: prioritizing facility improvements along the Yuchi to Geumjeong section and modifying regional development plans.
The need for improvements to existing road facilities and the maintenance of hazardous areas was emphasized as essential for reducing daily traffic inconveniences for residents and creating a safer road environment.
Baek Seung-ho, director of the Iksan Regional Land Management Office, stated, "I deeply empathize with the necessity of the major projects proposed by Jangheung County, including the Daedeok to Sunji four-lane expansion. We will actively cooperate throughout the project implementation process to enhance transportation convenience and safety for local residents."
Sa Soon-moon, mayor of Jangheung County, expressed gratitude to the Iksan office officials for visiting to address local issues, stating, "SOC infrastructure is a key foundation for regional development and improving residents' quality of life. We will strive to ensure that major projects proceed smoothly through close cooperation."
Meanwhile, the proposed four-lane expansion of National Route 23 is considered a significant factor that will influence the timeline for future project implementation, depending on whether the government budget for 2027 includes the design costs. The county plans to strengthen its cooperative framework with relevant agencies and continue discussions aimed at expanding the road network and improving traffic safety.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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