South Korea to expedite 3rd generation new city road projects

The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is expanding its ‘direct permit’ system to accelerate the construction of regional transportation networks for 3rd generation new cities. This initiative aims to ensure that essential road infrastructure is completed in alignment with resident move-in schedules to prevent traffic congestion.

The Metropolitan Transport Commission will hold a task force meeting to review progress and discuss expanding the number of projects under direct permit management from five to seven. Current projects include the construction of a new Dongnam-ro connecting road, the expansion and improvement of Dongnam-ro, and the partial expansion of the Seohanam IC intersection in Hanam Gyosan, as well as the expansion of Beolmal-ro in Incheon Gyeyang and the construction of Gyeongmyeong-daero in Bucheon Daejang.

Under the direct permit system, introduced following an amendment to the Metropolitan Transport Act last year, the Ministry directly approves road business plans for projects spanning multiple local governments, thereby shortening the permit period. The government is also considering adding two additional projects in Incheon Gyeyang, specifically the Gochon IC improvement project and the Sangyam-maeul passage, to the intensive management list.