Reflect on the countless minor and major accidents that occur daily on Seoul's roads, and how often we've witnessed 'unexpected accidents.' Among these, vehicle entrapment incidents in underground roads designated for small vehicles have been a prime example, causing significant stress and safety concerns for drivers. To address these everyday problems with innovation and technology, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has introduced a new solution: the 'Smart Entry Restriction Guidance System.' Seoul plans to fully implement this smart system in the Sinwol-Yeoui Underground Road starting April 29, 2026, showcasing a facet of urban infrastructure innovation designed with advanced technology and a strong commitment to safety. This system was developed to prevent entrapment accidents caused by driver error or misjudgment of vehicle height. At the core of accident prevention are precision sensors that automatically measure vehicle height before entry and artificial intelligence (AI) technology that analyzes on-site conditions. Unlike conventional simple warning signs or sensor-based guidance systems, this system operates by more precisely identifying vehicle height and delivering appropriate warnings to drivers, thereby guiding them to take detours. Specifically, it automatically measures vehicle height before entering the underground road. If a vehicle exceeding the height limit attempts to enter, it immediately sends a warning to the driver and guides them to detour. By utilizing AI-based video analysis technology and precision sensors, it detects vehicle height more accurately and swiftly. Furthermore, visual and auditory information is provided simultaneously through electronic displays and voice guidance, offering drivers clearer decision-making instructions. Seoul City anticipates that this innovative system will significantly contribute to fully realizing the design intent of roads exclusively for small vehicles. The Sinwol-Yeoui Underground Road is designed for small vehicles, with strict vehicle height restrictions. However, despite being designated for small vehicles, large vehicles have frequently entered by mistake, causing entrapment accidents. These incidents have not only inconvenienced individual drivers but also threatened traffic flow and the safety of all road users. To resolve these issues, Seoul City decided to implement the Smart Entry Restriction Guidance System, expecting it to significantly reduce accident rates, smooth traffic flow, and greatly enhance driver safety and convenience. Underground roads exclusively for small vehicles are facilities designed to distribute urban traffic and ensure efficient road use, constructed with lower ceiling heights than regular roads. Consequently, if taller vehicles such as SUVs or small trucks attempt to enter, they can become trapped in the ceiling structure. In the past, such entrapment accidents required rescue operations to remove the vehicle, during which the entire underground road would be closed, leading to severe traffic congestion. Moreover, these incidents resulted in vehicle damage and repair costs for road infrastructure. Seoul City has thus pursued the introduction of a proactive prevention system to fundamentally address these recurring problems. A Fundamental Solution to Underground Road Entrapment Accidents: Solved by Technology However, it is important to note that Seoul City does not intend to limit the system's implementation solely to specific underground road sections. Based on the operational results from the Sinwol-Yeoui Underground Road, Seoul plans to gradually expand its application to other underground roads designated for small vehicles. This aligns with Seoul's long-term vision to enhance urban mobility safety and efficiency, and is part of its efforts to secure both traffic safety and efficiency simultaneously. The core of the Smart Entry Restriction Guidance System lies in real-time detection and immediate response. The system automatically measures the height of all approaching vehicles via sensors installed at the underground road entrance. Concurrently, AI-based video analysis technology operates to accurately identify the vehicle type and size. If a vehicle exceeding the height limit is detected, the system immediately displays a warning message on an electronic display and informs the driver of the entry restriction via voice guidance. Based on this clear information, drivers can stop their entry into the underground road and take an alternative route. During this process, the system not only issues warnings but also provides guidance on available detour routes, helping drivers respond appropriately without confusion. This technological approach offers a dual benefit: proactively preventing accidents to protect driver safety and avoiding unnecessary traffic congestion. The introduction of such smart traffic systems signifies a paradigm shift in urban infrastructure management, going beyond mere technological appl
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