The number of overpasses in Seoul City has dropped in recent years, due mainly to concerns over the safety and convenience of pedestrians, officials said Sunday.
According to Seoul Metropolitan Government, the number of pedestrian overpasses decreased to 166 last year ― down 34 percent from 15 years ago.
In 1999, 12 out of the 25 administrative districts in the capital had more than 10 overpasses. But now, only five districts have more than 10 overpasses. Dongjak-gu and Dongdaemun-gu plan to demolish several more overpasses by the end of the year.
“Pedestrian-oriented” measures contributed to the overpass decline, the city said. The city districts have begun to prefer crosswalks over overpasses due to public complaints over the inconvenience footbridges pose to elderly and disabled people.
The unattractive look of old overpasses also played a role, it added.
The maintenance and repair of each overpass costs over 10 million won ($8,500) a year on average, officials said.
Not all overpasses will be torn down, however. Some will be kept to ensure the safety of children around the school zones.
(
rene@heraldcorp.com)
