Concerns over traffic confusion on the way to work due to heavy snow… Prime Minister Jung “must delay commute to public institutions”

Input 2021.01.07 00:28

Concerned about the traffic disruption on the way to work due to heavy snow, the government decided to perform emergency snow removal work and safety management, while also adjusting the rush hours for central and local governments and public institutions.

Previously, the Korea Meteorological Administration issued a heavy snow warning and cold wave warning throughout Seoul on the afternoon of the 6th. Heavy snow warning is issued when it is predicted that more than 5cm of snow will accumulate over 24 hours. It has been about three years since January 23, 2018 that a cold wave warning was issued in Seoul. As the accumulated snow freezes overnight, there is a concern about a traffic disruption on the way to work in the morning.

On the night of the 6th, Prime Minister Jeong Sye-gyun told the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Byun Chang-heum and related ministries on the night of the 6th, “At each level, administrative agencies and public institutions such as central administrative agencies and local governments in the area where the heavy snow warning was issued, actively adjusts the work hours to avoid traffic congestion on the way to work. “Please do so,” he said, “encouraging private organizations and organizations to participate.”

In addition, he gave an emergency order related to heavy snow and cold wave warnings, saying, “You must perform snow removal work promptly to prevent traffic confusion on the way to work in the morning.”

An official in the Prime Minister’s Office said, “In particular, we are concerned about heavy snow damage in Chungcheong-do, Sejong-si, Jeolla-do, and the west coast.” The Corona 19 response critical script meeting hosted by the Prime Minister was also delayed by an hour to 9:30 am on the 7th.

The city of Seoul decided to increase the number of subways and buses during the 7th rush hour as road congestion is expected due to snow falling in the central region. The city plans to extend the intensive dispatch time to work by 30 minutes from 7 am to 9:30 am to reduce congestion on public transportation.

The number of subways runs 36 times more than usual. All city bus routes will increase the minimum interval between rush hours. If the road is controlled due to road icing, the route that passes through the control section due to frequent freezing such as Muakjae or Miarigogae will be detoured.