Seoul to Remove Seongsu Bridge Ramp Paving for Safety Inspection Amid Gap Concerns

Seoul city officials are taking action to investigate the safety of the Seongsu Bridge's southern access ramp, which has developed a noticeable height difference. The city plans to remove the asphalt paving to directly examine the underlying structure and ground conditions. This measure is part of a broader, ongoing investigation into all access ramps on Han River bridges.

The testing, scheduled for late night on May 29th to early morning on May 30th, will involve closing the ramp to traffic. External experts in structural and soil engineering will participate in the examination. The gap is located at the connection point between the bridge and the regular road, an area built up with soil. Once the tests are complete, the ramp will be repaved to reduce vibrations for vehicles.

While initial checks using ground-penetrating radar and measurement gauges since May 9th have not revealed any structural abnormalities or worsening gaps, the city is proceeding with more thorough testing. A similar 8cm gap on the Dongjak Bridge's northern ramp is believed to be caused by long-term soil settlement at the connection point, with no current structural concerns identified. The city intends to release the findings of the comprehensive ramp investigation after consulting with experts.