TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Plans to demolish Taipei’s Xinsheng-Heping Pedestrian Bridge have drawn protests from residents who argue the bridge should be preserved for its historical and community value.
In response to the outcry, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) asked the Transportation Department to consult with relevant agencies, including the New Construction Office, to review the plan. As a result, the city government has postponed the bridge's demolition until the end of November, allowing time for further discussions with residents. Protesters have gathered at the bridge since Saturday (Nov. 2), hanging banners and posters to voice their opposition.
The Transportation Department explained that the demolition plan is based on safety concerns, as the bridge structure can obstruct drivers’ visibility when turning. Officials noted that the 42-year-old bridge is aging and may pose risks due to natural deterioration. Additionally, they pointed out that elderly residents and people with disabilities rarely use the bridge, suggesting that a street-level crossing could better serve these groups, per CNA.
Transportation Department Director Hsieh Ming-hong (謝銘鴻) cited a similar case where a pedestrian bridge was removed from the Xinyi-Keelung intersection, which led to a reduction in traffic accidents. Hsieh argued that removing the Xinsheng-Heping bridge could offer similar benefits, improving driver visibility and pedestrian safety through the addition of features like shelter islands and railings. He emphasized the importance of creating accessible, barrier-free travel options for seniors and people with limited mobility.
Despite these arguments, community leaders and residents are urging the city to reconsider. Longpo Borough Chief Huang Shih-chuan (黃世詮) told CNA that the bridge is essential for pedestrian safety, especially for students from nearby Longan Elementary School. He suggested that the city should inspect the bridge to see if maintenance could ensure its safety, rather than opting for immediate demolition. "I’m firmly opposed to it being demolished just because they (the city) said so," Huang said.
The group "Protect Xinsheng-Heping Pedestrian Bridge" has also launched a special exhibition, inviting residents to use chalk to create public art on the bridge, which has attracted numerous participants. A resident surnamed Chuang proposed that the bridge could be repurposed as an extension of Daan Forest Park, potentially serving as a viewing deck or a community market space. "It’s just a matter of whether there is the will to do it," Chuang added, emphasizing the importance of preserving community assets.
For some, the bridge represents more than a simple crossing. Chen Hsiu-feng (陳秀鳳), an assistant professor at Shih Hsin University, visited the bridge after reading a Facebook post by a woman whose late husband had designed it. She believes public policy should consider both preservation and public safety, finding a balance that respects historical and aesthetic significance while ensuring the safety of all users.
