A new section of National Route 5 connecting Seo-oji-ri and Woncheon-ri in Hwacheon County is expected to open by the end of this year. This new route will reduce the travel distance by 4.28 km and cut travel time by approximately six minutes, replacing the existing winding road.
According to Hwacheon County, the Wonju Regional Land Management Office announced plans to complete the construction of this section by the end of the year following a request for expedited opening from County Mayor Kim Se-hoon during a site visit on the previous day.
The focus is on the 2.82 km stretch from Hanam Tunnel in Seo-oji-ri to Woncheon Intersection. Once opened, drivers who previously traveled 7.1 km in about nine minutes will be able to make the journey in approximately three minutes using the new road. This estimated travel time pertains specifically to the new section and does not reflect the overall travel time from Chuncheon to Hwacheon.
The significance of the early opening lies in the reduction of distance and improvement of road alignment. It is expected to alleviate the driving burden and reduce accident risks for residents and tourists who previously had to navigate the long, winding route. The aim is to provide traffic improvement benefits from the usable section before the entire project is completed.
Construction on this section began in September 2018 and involves upgrading a total of 8.29 km from Seo-oji-ri to Hari in Hwacheon-eup. Three tunnels and two bridges have been completed, while the remaining 5.47 km is scheduled for completion by June 2027. After completion, the road will consist of 4.01 km of four-lane and 4.28 km of 2+1 lane configurations.
During his visit, Mayor Kim emphasized the need for early opening of the Seo-oji-ri to Woncheon Intersection section to ensure the safety of residents and tourists, as well as to facilitate smoother traffic flow. This request focuses on reducing travel inconveniences in the interim, separate from the overall project completion timeline.
Efforts to improve the road network have also continued externally. In August, officials approached government departments to request improvements to the road alignment and tunnel construction on National Route 56 from Hwacheon Sanai to Chuncheon Sabuk, as well as the establishment of access roads and bridges for the East-West High-Speed Railway at Hwacheon Station. This site visit is seen as part of ongoing efforts to enhance regional accessibility and connectivity.
However, the timeline for the year-end opening depends on securing materials needed for the final stages of construction. The county has identified asphalt supply as a key variable. A representative from the Wonju Regional Land Management Office stated, “While material supply is a variable, we are doing our best to ensure that the scheduled construction proceeds as planned.”
Mayor Kim urged site officials to proceed without delay with the early opening of the section from Seo-oji-ri Hanam Tunnel to Woncheon Intersection to ensure the safety of tourists and residents, as well as to facilitate smooth traffic flow.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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