광주·전남↔전국 더 가까워진다.. 사회기반시설 '착착' (뉴스데스크 2024.9.14 광주MBC)

(Anchor) 'Nationwide Half-Day Living Zone'—it is no longer an unfamiliar concept. Even now, various transportation network expansion projects are underway to bring Gwangju and Jeonnam, and Gwangju and Jeonnam, closer together with the rest of the country. In today's special report by Gwangju MBC, 'How Are You, Our Hometown?', we examined the progress of social infrastructure construction in Gwangju and Jeonnam. Reporter Joo Hyun-jung reports. (Reporter) The second phase of the Honam High-Speed ​​Railway project, connecting Gwangju Songjeong Station, Muan International Airport Station, and Mokpo Station, aims for official opening in 2027. Once the entire Honam Line becomes capable of high-speed rail operation, Seoul and Mokpo will be connected in under two hours. In particular, Muan International Airport is the only regional airport in the country directly connected to the high-speed railway, and it is expected to expand demand for both rail and air travel. The Muan Airport runway extension project, which involved an investment of 49.2 billion won, is also set to be completed next year. However, the government's plan to revitalize Muan Airport by integrating the civilian and military functions of Gwangju has stalled due to opposition from Muan County. The connection of the regional railway network does not stop there. The expansion of the Gyeongjeon Line, connecting Gwangju and Mokpo to Busan and Miryang respectively, is scheduled for completion in 2030. Travel time between Gwangju and Suncheon will be shortened to the 50-minute range, and between Gwangju and Busan to the 2-hour range. With the Gwangju-Daegu Moonlight Railway currently stalled due to the preliminary feasibility study and failing to be included in next year's government budget, this line is set to become the only railway route to connect the Yeongnam and Honam regions in a single trip. Road conditions are also improving. The Gwangju-Gangjin Expressway is 60% complete and is expected to open by 2026. The second phase of the project, connecting Gangjin to Wando, recently passed the preliminary feasibility study after its economic viability was recognized. Construction of social infrastructure within downtown Gwangju is also gaining momentum. A prime example is the construction of Urban Railway Line 2, which will connect Gwangju's five autonomous districts, 18 residential areas, and major schools within 30 minutes. Phase 1, targeted for completion in 2026, currently shows a progress rate of 77%. Meanwhile, Phase 2, which passes through Chonnam National University, Ilgok, Cheomdan, Suwan, and Unnam districts before returning to Gwangju City Hall, will begin full-scale construction this month with the goal of opening in 2030. Construction to expand the section of the Honam Expressway from Donggwangju to the Gwangsan Interchange from the existing four lanes in each direction to a maximum of eight lanes will be completed in 2029. The Baegun Plaza underpass will open next year, and the road between Sangmu District and the Advanced Technology Industrial Complex will be accessible by 2026. Expansion of the entrances and exits at the seven interchanges of the Second Ring Road will also be completed sequentially starting next year. Air routes are also being prepared, with the Heuksan Airport construction project, which began in 2020, surpassing a 50% completion rate and preparing for its opening in 2026. With the expansion of transportation networks bringing about active exchanges of people and goods, Gwangju and Jeonnam, as well as Gwangju and Jeonnam and the rest of the nation, are expected to become even closer. This is Joo Hyun-jung reporting for MBC News. #GwangjuSongjeongStation #MuanInternationalAirport #MokpoStation #HonamHighSpeedRailway #Expressway #TransportationNetworkExpansion