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๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Taiwan /Crime & Justice

Screws loose? Changhua traffic light 'walks on stilts,' alarming residents

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A traffic light in Hemei Township, Changhua County, Taiwan, appears to be "walking on stilts" with its base elevated significantly off the ground.
  • The unusual setup, with the signal pole floating in the air, has alarmed residents and local officials who fear it is unstable.
  • Authorities have stated it is a temporary traffic signal installed for road widening and will be reinforced for safety.

Residents and officials in Hemei Township, Changhua County, Taiwan, have expressed alarm over a peculiar traffic light installation that appears to be "walking on stilts." The traffic signal's base is noticeably elevated, with the pole seemingly floating in the air, supported by four bolts. This unusual sight has raised concerns about its stability and safety.

County Councilor Lai Ching-mei visited the intersection of Meiliao Road and Xiandong Road to inspect the traffic light. She described the setup as "head-heavy and light-footed," questioning whether the four bolts could adequately support the long extension arm and signal box above. The appearance has unnerved locals who have never seen a traffic signal mounted in such a manner.

It looks like the screws are loose, and it's both dangerous and abrupt.

โ€” Lai Ching-meiDescribing the appearance and potential danger of the elevated traffic light.

Responding to the concerns, the Changhua County Public Works Department clarified that the traffic light is a temporary installation. It was put in place to facilitate the road widening project on Meiliao Road. The department assured that the signal will be replaced with a permanent one once the intersection construction is completed. In the interim, the engineering unit has been instructed to reinforce the temporary structure to ensure public safety.

This traffic light pole is a temporary signal set up to cooperate with the road widening project on Meiliao Road. After the intersection engineering is completed, it will be changed to a permanent signal. In the meantime, the engineering unit has been asked to reinforce it for safety.

โ€” Changhua County Public Works DepartmentExplaining the reason for the temporary installation and the plan for reinforcement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.