Daejeon Metropolitan City, in collaboration with its five autonomous districts (Gu), is set to undertake a comprehensive spring road maintenance project for one month, commencing on April 17th and continuing through May 16th, 2025. This proactive initiative aims to ensure road safety following the thawing period and to prepare the city's infrastructure for the upcoming summer rainy season.

The extensive maintenance will encompass a total of 2,151 kilometers of roads within the city limits, along with 468 associated road facilities. These facilities include 325 bridges, 78 tunnels, 49 pedestrian overpasses, and 16 underground pedestrian walkways. The scope of the project underscores the city's commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient transportation network for its residents and visitors.

The primary focus of the maintenance efforts will be on addressing damage to road surfaces, such as potholes, cracks, and depressions. Repair work will be carried out to restore the integrity of the pavement and ensure a smooth driving experience. Furthermore, critical road infrastructure, including bridges, tunnels, and underpasses, will undergo thorough safety inspections and necessary repairs to maintain their structural integrity and operational functionality, thereby preventing potential accidents.

In anticipation of the summer monsoon season, the maintenance will also prioritize the upkeep of drainage systems. Accumulated sediment and debris will be removed from drainage channels to ensure efficient water flow and prevent flooding. Additionally, any signs of erosion or scouring around drainage structures will be addressed to safeguard their stability. Preemptive measures against landslides will include surveys of slopes and the maintenance of roadside ditches to prevent rockfall onto roadways.

Beyond structural and safety concerns, the initiative also emphasizes the aesthetic and environmental aspects of road maintenance. Roadside vegetation will be trimmed, and litter will be collected to maintain a clean and pleasant roadside environment. To mitigate the risks associated with ground subsidence and sinkhole formation, a detailed inspection of underground utilities and the surrounding subsoil will be conducted. This proactive approach is particularly crucial following the freeze-thaw cycle of winter, which can weaken the ground and increase the likelihood of such incidents.

A particular emphasis will be placed on preventing sinkholes and other accidents that can arise from ground weakening after the thawing period. To this end, meticulous inspections of underground facilities and adjacent ground conditions will be carried out. For large-scale construction sites within the city, a stringent review of safety management plans and adherence to relevant regulations will be conducted to ensure the safety of both workers and the public.

To ensure the effectiveness and consistency of the maintenance efforts across the city, Daejeon City will work in close collaboration with the five autonomous districts. Regular progress updates will be shared, and best practices as well as areas for improvement will be analyzed. The findings of this collaborative effort will be incorporated into the evaluation of the 2025 spring road maintenance project, contributing to continuous improvement in future maintenance endeavors.

Kim Jong-myung, Director General of the Railway Construction Bureau of Daejeon Metropolitan City, stated, "Through this spring road maintenance, we aim to create a safe and clean road environment, thereby enhancing the satisfaction of our citizens. This comprehensive effort reflects our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of everyone who uses our city's roads."

This extensive spring road maintenance project underscores Daejeon City's proactive approach to infrastructure management and its dedication to the safety and convenience of its residents. By addressing potential issues before they escalate and by preparing for the challenges of the summer rainy season, the city is demonstrating its commitment to maintaining a resilient and reliable transportation network. The collaborative effort with the autonomous districts further strengthens the effectiveness of this initiative, ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive approach to road maintenance across the entire urban landscape. The focus on not only repairing existing damage but also on preventative measures, such as sinkhole inspections and drainage system maintenance, highlights a forward-thinking strategy aimed at minimizing disruptions and ensuring the long-term integrity of Daejeon's road infrastructure. This initiative will undoubtedly contribute to a safer, cleaner, and more efficient urban environment for all.

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