Busan City is implementing a modern emergency towing service for large vehicles on its key bridges and tunnels, effective immediately. The Busan Facilities Corporation announced on Thursday the launch of a free, 24-hour service designed to quickly clear stalled or accident-involved trucks and buses weighing over eight tons from critical transportation arteries.
The initiative addresses a significant problem: large vehicle incidents on structures like the Gwangan Bridge can cause disproportionately long traffic delays. According to data released by the Busan Facilities Corporation, accidents involving large vehicles account for approximately 24% of all incidents on the Gwangan Bridge, and resolving them takes up to 40 minutes longer than clearing accidents involving smaller cars. This disparity creates substantial congestion and increases the risk of secondary accidents.
The service will operate across seven key transportation corridors: the Gwangan, Namhang, and Yeongdo Bridges, as well as the Centum City and Shinseondae underground tunnels, and the Dongmyeong and Yeongdo overpasses. When a large vehicle becomes disabled or is involved in an accident, the Busan Facilities Corporation’s control center will be alerted through real-time monitoring and emergency patrol units. The corporation will then contact the vehicle’s owner to obtain consent for a tow.
Vehicles will be towed, free of charge, to the nearest safe location within a 10-kilometer radius. The Busan Facilities Corporation has partnered with specialized towing companies capable of reaching incident sites within 30 minutes. This rapid response is intended to minimize disruption and restore traffic flow quickly. The service was prompted by a recent incident involving a large trailer truck that caused significant delays during peak commuting hours, according to the corporation.
The Busan Facilities Corporation stated that the new service aims to alleviate the financial burden often associated with towing large vehicles, which previously led some drivers to attempt on-site repairs or wait for less expensive, but slower, towing options. The corporation is collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure the long-term sustainability of the program.
