The long-awaited expansion of the 20.1-kilometer section of National Route 23 from Daedeok Yeonji to Sunji in Jangheung County, South Jeolla Province, has received the green light from the government after passing the feasibility study.
On August 26, Jangheung County announced that the project had successfully cleared the seventh financial investment evaluation committee review by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance. The total project cost is 369.4 billion won, fully funded by the national government, making it the largest single social overhead capital (SOC) project since the county's establishment.
The core of the project involves expanding the route from Daedeok-eup Yeonji-ri to Sunji-ri to four lanes. This feasibility study was conducted to align with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's sixth five-year plan for national and local road construction. Out of 142 projects nationwide, 54 have successfully passed the final review.
Given the rural characteristics of Jangheung County, securing economic viability based on traffic volume has been challenging. However, the county has consistently advocated for the project's inclusion to the government, emphasizing the need for regional balanced development and policy support.
The local community has also rallied behind the initiative, with over 7,000 residents signing a petition urging swift progress on the project. Local politicians, the county council, and relevant agencies have continuously advocated for the necessity of expanding National Route 23 to the government.
Once the expansion is completed, the county expects improved traffic accessibility and road safety in the Jangheung area, as well as enhanced regional transportation networks connecting central and southern South Jeolla Province.
In particular, the reduction in travel time between major tourist attractions and industrial and logistics hubs is anticipated to positively impact local economic revitalization by boosting tourist influx and enhancing logistics competitiveness.
Jangheung County Mayor Sa Sun-moon stated, “This achievement is the result of the earnest wishes of the residents and the active cooperation of relevant agencies. We will expedite subsequent procedures, including basic and detailed design, to ensure the safe and convenient four-lane road is completed as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, the comprehensive feasibility study is a process established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to select projects for inclusion in the five-year national and local road construction plan. Following this approval, Jangheung County plans to respond to subsequent administrative procedures to ensure the expansion of National Route 23 is included in the sixth five-year construction plan, while strengthening consultations with relevant agencies to ensure the basic and detailed design and project commencement proceed without delay.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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