Keelung's Guonan Road pedestrian overpass dismantled; next target is Qidu Dongxin Street overpass

Keelung City has successfully dismantled the Guonan Road pedestrian overpass in the Nuannuan District, marking the fourth such structure removed by the city government in the last three years. The demolition, completed early on June 14th, is part of a broader effort to enhance pedestrian accessibility and create a more welcoming urban landscape.

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The Guonan Road pedestrian overpass has been in place for over decades. With the gradual popularization of human-centered transportation concepts and the advent of an aging society, people do not like to walk on overpasses. After on-site observation and traffic condition assessment, the usage rate of this overpass has declined year by year, and it cannot meet the needs of barrier-free access.

According to Zhang You-zhu, section chief of the Civil Engineering Section at Keelung City's Public Works Department, the Guonan Road overpass had been in place for several decades. However, with the growing emphasis on human-centered transportation and an aging population, its usage had declined significantly. Zhang noted that the overpass also failed to meet modern accessibility standards for people with disabilities.

The removal of the overpass aims to reclaim street-level space, improve the city's visual appeal, and reduce ongoing maintenance costs. This initiative aligns with Keelung's commitment to fostering a more walkable and friendly environment for its residents.

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After the completion of the Guonan Road pedestrian overpass demolition, it has become the fourth pedestrian overpass demolished by Keelung City in the past three years, demonstrating the city government's determination to continuously promote human-centered transportation and a friendly walking environment.

Looking ahead, the city government is also considering the future of the Dongxin Street overpass in the Qidu District. This evaluation will be part of a larger project to improve the commuting environment around the Qidu train station. The decision regarding the Dongxin Street overpass will take into account traffic demand, local community feedback, accessibility needs, and public safety to ensure it aligns with the city's development goals and residents' requirements.

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The Keelung City Government has successfully applied for and received approval from the Ministry of the Interior for the 'Improvement Plan for School and Commuter Environment around Qidu Railway Station.' In the future, in conjunction with the overall pedestrian environment improvement project, the issue of whether to retain or demolish the Dongxin Street pedestrian overpass in Qidu District will be jointly evaluated.