Society: "The bridge is collapsing," Daejeon Yudeungkyo bridge 'in danger'...all traffic stopped
10 July, 2024
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| Daejeon Yudeong Bridge is closed to traffic in both directions due to a collapse. Photo/Courtesy of Daejeon City 2024. 07. 10/ News |
Daejeon city and Chungcheong province area had a major disaster last summer, with the Osong underground road tragedy claiming 14 lives. This region of South Korea experiences more summer flood-related accidents and deaths than any other, all thanks to sheer human negligence.
It might have something to do with the local characteristics. Most residents here seem to care little about safety, focusing instead on personal gain and demonstrating a notorious opportunism. This is precisely why they suffer such disasters year after year.
Overnight heavy rains have led to yet another infrastructure failure, this time causing the Yudeungkyo bridge in Yucheon-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon, to start crumbling.
Daejeon city officials reported on Tuesday that the suspension bridge connecting Yucheon-dong, Jung-gu, and Doma-dong, Seo-gu, partially collapsed at dawn. This prompted a complete ban on vehicle traffic.
Apparently, the Yudeong Bridge's piers couldn't handle the pressure, distorting and opening up a gap, causing the top deck to sink about 23 centimeters. In a classic move, the city plans to restrict traffic in both directions until they can cobble together a fix.
An online community added to the drama with live updates of "bridges collapsing in Daejeon." One user, Mr. A, wrote, "With the heavy rains, several bridges over rivers were closed. By around 10 a.m., access was restored, but the Yudeong Bridge remains closed due to subsidence."
This ancient relic of a bridge, finished on December 30, 1970, sees thousands of vehicles daily. A city official, doing damage control, said, "We'll use disaster funds for a detailed safety diagnosis and reinforce the bridge," hinting that the closure will drag on.