Implementation of Special Transportation Measures for Summer Vacation Season
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 22nd that it has designated from July 25 to August 10, a period of 17 days as the "Special Transportation Measures Period" and will implement comprehensive traffic management plans to ensure safe and comfortable travel for the public during the summer vacation season.
This plan has been established in anticipation of increased traffic volumes during the vacation season to support the safe and comfortable movement of the people.
According to predictions by transportation authorities, an average of 6.11 million people will move daily, totaling 100.39 million people during the special transportation measures period.
Specifically, the expected highway traffic volume is projected to reach 5.45 million vehicles per day, an increase of 2.8% compared to the same period last year. It is anticipated that 84.1% of travelers will choose to use personal vehicles.
In a survey conducted by the Korea Transport Institute, 46.5% of respondents indicated that they are planning summer vacations, with the East Coast area being the most preferred domestic travel destination at 24.9%.
The peak departure date for vacations is expected to be concentrated between July 26 and August 1.
Traffic Congestion Mitigation and Safety Measures
The government has prepared various measures to ensure smooth traffic flow.
It plans to newly open eight sections of national highways (61.4 km) and operate 53 sections of highway shoulder lanes (261.1 km). Additionally, it will conduct concentrated management over 219 sections expected to experience congestion on highways and national roads, providing real-time traffic information through roadside electronic signs and mobile apps.
For public transportation users, the number of bus and train operations will be increased by 13.1% (44,041 times) compared to usual, and seating capacity will also be expanded by 9.9% (2.56 million seats).
Temporary parking lots will be added at airports and passenger ferry terminals to address the shortage of parking spaces.
In addition, various services aimed at enhancing traveler convenience, such as train luggage delivery services, airport easy drop-off services, and discounts linked to tourist sites, will be provided.
In terms of safety management, the government will enhance pre-safety inspections for all modes of transportation and display 22 accident-prone areas selected using artificial intelligence (AI) technology on roadside electronic signs. Measures will also be put in place to prepare for severe weather conditions, including inspections of underground water blockage facilities, monitoring of railway slopes via CCTV, and preparations against airport flooding.
Eom Jeong-hee, head of the Transportation Logistics Division at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, emphasized, "During the vacation season when traffic volume and accident risks increase, it is important to wear seat belts in all seats and drive after taking sufficient rest. Please check traffic information before departure and continuously monitor real-time information while traveling."
Image Source: Material photo to aid understanding of the article / Insight, Highway View / News1
