TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The nation’s highways face severe congestion during the Tomb Sweeping Festival from Friday to Monday, with the Highway Bureau forecasting traffic volume of 111 million to 124 million vehicle-kilometers, peaking at 70 million southbound on the first day — 1.5 times normal levels.
Business Today reported that high-occupancy vehicle rules and ramp closures will start early to ease the rush driven by ancestral grave visits and holiday travel. Southbound traffic is expected to be heavy on Friday and Saturday. Northbound traffic is expected to build on Sunday and Monday as holidaymakers return from trips south.
The Highway Bureau recommends taking public transportation to avoid congestion. On Friday, the southbound entrance to National Freeway No. 5 will be closed from 12 a.m. to 12 p.m. The southbound entrance at Pingzhen System Interchange on National Freeway No. 1 will also be closed from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Meanwhile, passenger traffic at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is expected to set a record, reaching 920,000 during the holiday period.
