TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) attended a municipal symposium in Linkou where he said that new road construction will improve traffic and economic development.

Hou met with heads of various municipal departments and borough chiefs. Hou said Linkou has developed rapidly, growing from 70,000 people a decade ago to 130,000 people, with room for further growth, per CNA.

Hou added that Linkou's population is relatively young, with an average age of less than 40. He said this demographic emphasizes education and cares about the quality of local schools.

According to Hou, another concern for residents is undeveloped areas in Linkou. Hou said he would encourage the municipal government to plan new infrastructure for the community.

Linkou District Superintendent Liao Wu-hui (廖武輝) said that Linkou annually sees an increase of 4,000 registered residents. Despite this growth, staffing at district offices has not increased and is currently only suitable for servicing 70,000 residents.

Hou said district office staffing should also be increased to improve administrative efficiency. He called for a review of all municipal operations, including district offices, police stations, and health centers.

Regarding traffic in Linkou, Liao said that the A3 road construction is expected to be completed in January 2026, and the straightening of County Highway 105 is expected to be completed in 2030. He also said the Linkou Interchange of National Highway 1 is expected to be completed in January 2027.

During the meeting, a borough chief suggested that County Highway 105 be extended to connect with the Wuyang Viaduct, and that ramp entrances and exits be built at the Wenhua North Road and Renai Road intersection.

The New Taipei Transportation Department said that terrain restrictions such as clearance heights for the MRT have prevented such an extension. However, the feasibility of adding a new Linkou Interchange to the Wuyang Viaduct is still being studied as the bureau is continuously reviewing potential improvements to regional transportation.