Vehicular passage on Jamsugyo, or Jamsu Bridge, will be permanently banned starting Oct. 26, as the low-level bridge across the Han River will be transitioned into a pedestrian-centered cultural area, Seoul metropolitan government said Thursday.
City officials said a construction project to expand the pedestrian walkway and other structures for the bridge will commence later this month, as vehicle traffic on the bridge is blocked off. The project is expected to be completed by August 2027.
Those on foot or bicycle will still be able to access the bridge during the construction, as the city will procure an area of safe passage for them. However, the bridge will be completely closed off for about a month and a half at sometime between May and August 2027 for the completion of the cycling paths.
Jamsugyo refers to the lower part of the double Banpo Bridge, which takes its name, meaning "submerge," from the level being submerged under water when the river rises. It was constructed in 1976 as a vehicular bridge, but in 2008 Seoul converted two of its four lanes for the use of pedestrians and cyclists.
Jamsugyo has since become a popular tourist spot, particularly being right below the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain.
Seoul officials said the bridge will be redesigned to allow pedestrians and cyclists to better enjoy the view of the city and river, as Jamsugyo is closer to the surface than any other bridge on the Han River.
Twenty-two viewing spots will be installed at the bridge, including two sections with glass floors near where boats pass by.
Officials said restricting car use on Jamsugyo will have minimal effects on the traffic surrounding the area, citing its analysis. Seoul city buses No. 740 and No. 405, which currently use Jamsugyo, will be rerouted to Banpo Bridge above instead.
minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com