Construction delays due to utility relocations raise safety risks for commuters and pedestrians
Category: Politics
Construction of the Daejeon Urban Railway Line 2 tram project has faced substantial delays, with more than 18 months elapsed since its commencement, yet many utility relocations necessary for the main construction have not been completed, raising safety concerns for the public. According to reports from Chungcheong Today, the failure to relocate utilities has hindered progress on the tram project, which involves the installation of tracks in the center of roadways.
As of July 3, 2026, construction sites for the tram system have been marked by deep excavations and steel columns being installed along the central roadways. The situation has resulted in traffic congestion, particularly in areas like Oryu-dong in the Jung-gu district of Daejeon, where the road width has been reduced due to the tram construction, causing considerable delays during peak commuting hours. The congestion was evident as vehicles struggled to move even when traffic signals changed, leading to a cacophony of honking horns.
At the construction site of the tram’s section 12, located between the Yuchun-dong Bird's Nest Apartments and the Bommungyo Bridge, the ground was significantly excavated, exposing underground drainage pipes. Construction debris and soil piles occupied large portions of pedestrian pathways, with only a few safety cones marking the boundaries between the construction site and pedestrian traffic. The presence of large excavated areas filled with rainwater raised alarms about potential flooding risks.
In addition to the challenges posed by the construction process itself, the relocation of utilities such as electric lines, water pipes, and communication cables has been fraught with complications. Daejeon City has been criticized for delays in utility relocations, which require coordination with various agencies like KT and Korea Electric Power Corporation. Industry insiders claim that the process can take at least five to six months from payment to the start of actual relocation work, effectively stalling the tram project.
Meanwhile, the construction sites are also being examined for their safety measures. The deep excavations, necessary for the underground tram lines, pose risks of ground weakening, which can lead to road subsidence or the formation of sinkholes, especially during sudden heavy rains. According to safety experts, if stormwater enters construction sites rapidly, drainage systems may become overwhelmed, resulting in flooding.
The Daejeon tram project is intended to modernize the city’s transportation infrastructure, but the execution has been marred by insufficient planning and coordination. The necessity for setbacks—alterations to the existing road and sidewalk structures to accommodate tram tracks—has complicated the project timeline. As a result, construction companies have reported that they have been unable to proceed with main construction work for extended periods due to the incomplete relocation of utilities.
In comparison, other cities that have undertaken similar tram projects, such as Gwangju, have faced their own setbacks. Gwangju's tram project was temporarily halted when discrepancies between the design and actual conditions were identified, prompting a reassessment of the construction plans. In Daejeon, the city government has not accepted requests from construction companies to halt work, insisting on adherence to the original completion timeline.
Safety concerns have been amplified by the fact that the tram project runs along major thoroughfares where pedestrian and vehicular traffic is constant. The risk of accidents increases significantly if construction continues in areas where utility relocations are not fully resolved. A construction company representative expressed frustration over the situation, stating, "If we are forced to proceed under these conditions and something goes wrong, the liability will fall squarely on us. The inadequate planning has consumed our timeline, leaving us with little room to meet deadlines."
As the summer season approaches, the likelihood of heavy rainfall and potential typhoons raises additional concerns about the safety of the tram construction sites. Daejeon City officials have indicated that monthly safety inspections are being conducted to monitor conditions at the construction sites. A representative from the Daejeon tram construction department stated, "We conduct regular safety checks each month. We have also established safety management plans specific to each section to prevent any citizen inconveniences or accidents during the rainy season."
In light of the impending weather challenges, authorities are under pressure to implement effective drainage solutions and improve safety measures at the construction sites. The local government is expected to prioritize the inspection of drainage conditions and the potential for soil erosion, as well as the safety measures in place at excavation sites. The need for a comprehensive strategy to address these issues is urgent, particularly as the tram project is a major initiative that aims to transform urban mobility in Daejeon.
With the completion deadline approaching, the city must navigate the complex interplay of construction demands, public safety, and weather unpredictability. As of now, the project remains a focal point of concern for local residents who rely on stable and safe transportation options. The Daejeon tram project is set to continue, with officials promising to address the pressing safety issues as they arise.