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South Korea’s self-cleaning roads are changing urban infrastructure

South Korea’s self-cleaning roads, equipped with automated sprinklers, clean debris, cool asphalt, & combat urban heat. They reduce pollution and improve safety while using surplus water sustainably. A promising model for smart urban infrastructure

By Ground Report Desk
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South Korea’s self-cleaning roads are changing urban infrastructure

South Korea’s self-cleaning roads are changing urban infrastructure Photograph: (tomorrow.city)

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In recent years, South Korea has made headlines for its groundbreaking infrastructure solutions, particularly its self-cleaning roads. Equipped with automatic sprinklers, these roads address modern urban challenges like pollution, extreme heat, and road maintenance. The concept has gained traction on social media, showcasing the country’s commitment to blending technology with sustainability.

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The idea behind self-cleaning roads is simple yet effective. Sprinklers, placed along the center of traffic lanes, activate at specific times, spraying water onto the asphalt to mimic rainfall. This system washes away debris and dust, ensuring cleaner and safer roads. While these "Clean Roads" have gone viral, they are not new. The first prototype was introduced in Seoul in 2007, and since then, the technology has expanded to various South Korean cities.

How do self-cleaning roads work?

The mechanism relies on automated sprinklers near lane guide lights, activating during low-traffic periods or when pedestrian lights turn red. Initially, the system was used sparingly due to driver complaints about water splashes dirtying cars. However, with adjustments and growing appreciation for their benefits, the roads now operate during peak hours, especially in summer. This shift highlights their dual role: cleaning roads and cooling them during extreme heat.

During heatwaves, the system proves effective. According to Oh Eun-kyung, director of the Daegu Climate and Air Quality Division, running the sprinklers for seven minutes can lower asphalt temperatures by 20 degrees Celsius, reducing surrounding air temperatures by 3-4 degrees. This cooling effect helps combat the urban heat island phenomenon in densely populated cities.

Combating pollution and safety

Another advantage of self-cleaning roads is their ability to reduce tire dust pollution, an environmental hazard. Besides cooling, the sprinklers lower fine dust levels, especially during spring and autumn. Depending on the season, the sprinklers operate for five minutes at intervals of 90 to 120 minutes, contributing to cleaner air and healthier living conditions.

The system offers solutions for seasonal challenges. For instance, there is potential to adapt the sprinklers for winter use to prevent snow accumulation, enhancing road safety and usability.

Despite their benefits, self-cleaning roads face challenges, primarily water consumption. In a world facing water scarcity, efficient management is crucial. South Korea uses alternative water sources, like surplus subway tunnel water in Seoul and Daegu. However, some cities rely on river water, raising sustainability questions.

The government is conducting scientific analyses to measure the system's effectiveness. The findings, expected in 2025, will determine whether to expand or modify the technology for urban needs.

South Korea’s self-cleaning roads are part of a larger vision to revolutionise transportation infrastructure. Future developments include energy-generating roads, self-warming surfaces for rain and snow, and real-time charging systems for electric vehicles. The integration of digital twins and big data analysis will enhance road safety and maintenance, ensuring resilience against natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes.

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