SEONGSAN BRIDGE has been in service for people crossing the Han River since 1980. Connecting Mangwon-dong in Mapo-gu and Yangpyeong-dong in Yeongdeungpo-gu, it became the 12th bridge built across the Han River. Recently, however, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of the bridge. 

Concerns surrounding Seongsan Bridge

   The concerns about Seongsan bridge, which has been undergoing renovation since 2017, were raised after a media report was published in March 2022 on cracks found by the southern side of the bridge—a part that has already been reinforced. Less than a year after the reconstruction of the southern floorboards of Seongsan Bridge, cracks in three 9-meter-wide floorboards were confirmed [1]. 

   According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s investigation, it was concluded that excessive force was applied in certain areas due to the lack of proper spacing between the floor plates at the time of construction[1]. Additionally, in relation to the crack under the precast concrete floor plate, the audit committee of the Seoul Metropolitan Government revealed a total of 18 errors in quality control for the design, ordering, and building process, along with the crack management both before and after completion[2]. Subsequently, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has decided to establish a temporary workstation for the re-examination of the bridge in March[1].

   As the public's concern has been addressed and the renovation is being carried out again, hopes are high that Seongsan Bridge will become a safer bridge through this process. 

[1] YTN

[2] Today Shinmun