Hsinchu Underpass Traffic Policy Changed Twice in 3 Years; Councilors Criticize Worsening Congestion

Hsinchu City's Xidalu Underpass has become a focal point of public frustration due to repeated and seemingly ineffective traffic policy changes. In the three years since Mayor Kao Hung-an took office, the underpass's traffic management has been altered twice, with the latest adjustments implemented on August 1st, coinciding with the first workday of the month.

The new policy permits left and right turns onto Linsen Road during off-peak hours and holidays. However, the first evening commute under the revised system saw the Xidalu Underpass completely gridlocked. Motorcyclists, a significant user group navigating the route to the Hsinchu Science Park, expressed extreme dissatisfaction, with many reporting excessively long wait times. Social media platforms were flooded with complaints describing the underpass as a "hellish" experience.

City councilors have joined the public outcry, with council members Shih Nai-ru and Lin Yen-fu criticizing the administration's "changing policies and worsening outcomes." Lin Yen-fu, after visiting the site, noted that the traffic light cycle has been extended to 180 seconds, with only 35 seconds of green light and 5 seconds of yellow for both car and motorcycle lanes, leaving a lengthy 140-second red light. This, combined with ongoing road repair projects, has exacerbated the congestion.

The Hsinchu City Government's Transportation Department stated that the changes were made in response to public requests to allow turns during off-peak times. They acknowledged the issues with motorcycle lane signal timings and pledged to observe traffic flow and make adjustments. However, councilors are demanding a return to the previous policy of prohibiting turns all day, or at least extending peak hours and increasing green light durations for the underpass lanes, urging the city to stop making traffic policies that only worsen the situation.