KMT rally on Ketagalan Boulevard causes major traffic jams in Taipei

A major political rally organized by the Kuomintang (KMT) party on Ketagalan Boulevard in Taipei led to widespread traffic disruptions on Saturday. The event, focused on food safety concerns, began in the late afternoon, drawing a substantial crowd that police reported had nearly filled the planned protest area before the official start.

Authorities implemented extensive road closures to manage the gathering. Zhongshan South Road was completely blocked in both directions, forcing traffic to reroute and causing considerable congestion. The closures extended to Ketagalan Boulevard itself, Jingfu Gate Roundabout, and several surrounding streets, including Changde Street, Gongyuan Road, Huaining Street, Renai Road, and Linsen Road. The police deployed 270 officers to manage the situation, without additional reinforcements.

Traffic became particularly chaotic as buses mobilized for the event dropped off participants along Renai Road Section 1, exacerbating the existing jams. The rerouting of vehicles on Zhongshan South Road, where traffic could only turn right towards the north, further complicated the flow, especially during green light cycles when pedestrians had to pass first, leading to significant delays and confusion.

The KMT had called for the rally to advocate for food safety. While the article notes the event's purpose, the primary focus remains on the logistical challenges and traffic impact caused by the large-scale assembly in the heart of Taipei.