Dragon Boat Festival Holiday Ends with 15km Traffic Jam on Taiwan's National Freeway 1

Taiwan's National Freeway 1 in Changhua experienced significant northbound traffic jams on June 21, marking the end of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday. Many travelers headed back to work, leading to a 15-kilometer stretch of congestion from the Changhua System Interchange (kilometer 192) to the Puyan System Interchange (kilometer 207).

Average speeds on this section of the freeway dropped to between 30 and 50 kilometers per hour. Real-time traffic cameras showed extensive red lines, indicating severe slowdowns. The Changhua Interchange area, in particular, saw a massive buildup of vehicles, causing traffic to back up onto local roads and slowing vehicles attempting to merge onto the freeway.

Traffic was also heavy around the Puyan System and Yuanlin interchanges, with speeds ranging from 50 to 70 kilometers per hour. Northbound traffic began to ease only after passing the Changhua System Interchange. In contrast, the southbound lanes remained clear, with vehicles traveling at speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour.

Authorities advised travelers to consider using National Freeway 3, which experienced much smoother traffic flow, as an alternative route for their northbound journey. The congestion highlights the challenges of holiday travel and the return to work for many residents across Taiwan.