Work at construction sites applying similar construction methods as the site on the Seoul-Sejong Expressway, where 10 casualties occurred due to a collapse accident, will be completely suspended. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will verify safety before resuming construction.
Minister Park Sang-woo held a meeting at the Seowoon-myeon Office in Anseong on the 26th with relevant agencies regarding the response to the accident at the construction site of the Seoul-Sejong Expressway between Cheonan and Anseong. Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Safety, Ministry of Employment and Labor, Anseong Mayor, the head of the Anseong Fire Station, the police chief, the president of the Korea Expressway Corporation, and the head of the Korea Land Safety Management Agency gathered to check the circumstances of the accident and the status of damages, and discuss plans for supporting victims.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport decided to completely halt construction at road construction sites applying similar construction methods as the accident site and to resume construction after verifying safety.
The DR Girder launching method involves pre-manufacturing a deck and beams connecting piers in a factory and assembling them on-site. A girder refers to a structure that acts as a beam laid beneath the bridge deck. Typically, when installing girders, a crane is used to lift the girder, but the DR Girder is installed by pushing it from both sides using a special installation device called a launcher.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is identifying construction sites of regular national roads where the relevant method is applied.
Minister Park expressed deep regret over causing concern to the public due to a series of safety accidents since the end of the year and urged that needed practical support be thoroughly provided to the injured and bereaved families. He further emphasized that based on the discussed matters, agencies must actively cooperate to establish a comprehensive response system, stating, "I urge all agencies to ensure detailed support so that the pain and difficulties faced by the injured and their families can be minimized."