New Taipei City to rebuild four bridges for enhanced flood control

New Taipei City is set to embark on a significant infrastructure upgrade, commencing the reconstruction of four cross-river bridges this year. This initiative is a key component of the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Water Resources Agency's plan to bolster flood control safety across the region.

The four bridges slated for reconstruction are Jian-guo No. 1 Bridge in Xinzhuan, Zhongzheng Bridge in Shenkeng, Jiangbei Bridge in Xizhi, and Baochang External Road Bridge in Xizhi. The total investment for these projects is expected to exceed NT$1 billion (approximately $31 million USD). The primary goals are to reinforce the structural integrity of these aging bridges and significantly enhance their flood defense capabilities.

According to Wu Hao-chung, Chief Secretary of the New Taipei City Department of Reconstruction, the city has been systematically reviewing its bridges since 2019. This review identified 30 bridges requiring improvement, with efforts to secure central government funding for phased renovations. To date, six bridges, including Gan-cheng Bridge in Shulin and Long-an Bridge in Ruifang, have already undergone widening or reconstruction.

“

The city government, in coordination with the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Water Resources Agency's flood control safety enhancement plan, will commence the reconstruction of four cross-river bridges this year.

Among the four bridges to be rebuilt this year, Jian-guo No. 1 Bridge over Talingkeng Stream and Zhongzheng Bridge over Jingmei Creek are currently undergoing feasibility studies, with completion expected by the end of the year, leading to the design phase next year. Jiangbei Bridge over the Keelung River and Baochang External Road Bridge over Baochang Stream are in the design phase, with construction tenders anticipated by year-end. The Baochang project will involve building a new bridge and road to connect both sides of the stream, improving local connectivity and potentially driving regional development.

Wu explained that the low elevation of the existing bridge decks poses a risk of overflow during severe floods, such as a "once-in-a-century" event. The Water Resources Agency regularly reviews river management plans to adjust flood control elevations. Improvement methods may include raising bridge decks or removing piers, with some bridges being rebuilt in place while others will be constructed adjacent to the old structures. The city emphasizes the importance of thorough communication with local residents regarding traffic and daily life disruptions during construction.

“

The current bridge bottom elevations are too low. If we encounter a once-in-a-century flood, there could be overflow.