TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Traffic volume on New Taipei's Guandu Bridge has fallen by more than 40% since the opening of the Danjiang Bridge one month ago, surpassing the government's original forecast and significantly reducing commute times, according to data released by the Highway Bureau.
The legislature's Transportation Committee visited Bali District to review traffic improvements associated with the new bridge and related transportation projects in Tamsui and Bali. The inspection was chaired by KMT Legislator Hung Meng-kai (洪孟楷) and Deputy Transportation Minister Chen Yen-po (陳彥伯), per CNA.
During the meeting, officials from the Highway Bureau and the New Taipei City Transportation Department presented data on the bridge's impact since it opened. According to the bureau, daily traffic heading toward Taipei on the Guandu Bridge fell from approximately 36,000 vehicles to 19,000, a decrease of about 47%.
Meanwhile, traffic traveling in the opposite direction toward Tamsui on the bridge dropped from roughly 37,000 vehicles per day to 20,500, representing a reduction of about 44%. The bureau said the decreases exceeded the project's original target of a 30% reduction in traffic volume and are estimated to save commuters between 25 and 30 minutes of travel time.
Officials said overall traffic flow on the Danjiang Bridge has become more stable and predictable since its opening. The bureau also noted that increasing numbers of visitors are traveling to the bridge on weekends to view sunsets, creating a new tourism-related traffic pattern. Hung added that the bridge has quickly become a source of pride for residents, providing transportation benefits and tourism opportunities, per CNA.
However, he said additional improvements are needed to enhance visitor services. Among his proposals was replacing portable toilets with permanent restroom facilities at appropriate locations to better accommodate growing numbers of tourists.
