Paldal-gu Implements Flooding Countermeasures for Hwasan Underground Underpass

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Paldal-gu District, Suwon City, announced on the 14th that it is implementing flooding countermeasures for Hwasan Underground Underpass located in Hwaseo-dong.

Hwasan Underground Underpass, installed beneath the Gyeongbu railway line in 1982, was designed based on planned rainfall for a 10-year frequency. It is vulnerable to increasingly frequent heavy downpours in recent times, and faces structural problems in that it is located at a lower elevation than the nearby Seoho Stream water level, causing rainwater from the surrounding area to flow into the underpass when stream water levels rise.

In response, Paldal-gu is prioritizing the safety of citizens using the underpass by establishing swift response measures in case of flooding and implementing measures to prevent damage caused by flooding.

To this end, the district is establishing continuous patrol and cooperation systems with Hwaseo Police Substation and will swiftly block access to the underpass in the event of flooding. The district also plans to place life rings and emergency escape hammers to prevent loss of life even if the Hwasan Underground Underpass becomes flooded.

To minimize rainwater inflow into Hwasan Underground Underpass, the district installed waterproof pipes to cut off rainwater coming from Deok-yeong-daero along the railroad and from Kkotneum Intersection, and increased the capacity of storm sewers while improving the drainage channel site to direct drainage from the underpass to Seoho Reservoir.

Additionally, to prevent sediment inflow, banners have been posted to prevent unauthorized farming of crops, and access has been restricted.

In particular, the district is conducting frequent on-site inspections, including directing stormwater pipes in the Daeyupyeong development project area, which makes Hwasan Underground Underpass flooding more vulnerable, to drain into Seoho Stream, and holding meetings with relevant personnel.

Paldal-gu District Chief Baek Un-o stated, "During heavy rain alerts, we have ensured real-time monitoring of the Hwasan Underground Underpass situation to immediately confirm safety conditions, and we are working toward a safer Hwasan Underground Underpass through cooperation with emergency on-duty and maintenance service companies. We urge citizens not to enter the underpass with vehicles if flooding is visible."