Miaoli Highway Section Reopens Briefly After Landslide

A significant landslide on Provincial Highway 62 in Miaoli County, Taiwan, has disrupted traffic after a large volume of soil and rock collapsed from the slope late on the 13th. The section at kilometer 2.1 remains impassable as county and township authorities work to clear the debris.

In response to the disruption, local officials have announced a temporary measure to allow for limited passage. Starting today, small vehicles and motorcycles will be permitted to use the cleared path during specific hours in the evening and early morning. This aims to assist residents commuting to and from work, alleviating the need for lengthy detours. Traffic controllers will be present during these periods to ensure safety.

County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin and Legislator Kao Chin-su-mei inspected the site on the 14th. The county government has allocated nearly 300 million New Taiwan Dollars for the construction of protective tunnels in areas susceptible to rockfalls, specifically around Jin-Gua Bridge. Additionally, they are seeking central government funding for a project to straighten the road, which is expected to provide a long-term solution to the recurring problem.

While efforts are underway to clear the road, concerns remain about the stability of the mountain slope. Large rocks are precariously perched above the slide area, and damaged slope protection facilities are evident. Heavy machinery operators are currently unable to reach the unstable sections to clear the debris effectively. The temporary opening aims to provide immediate relief to the community while more permanent solutions are planned.