Yilan Transportation Projects: Legislator Demands Central Government Response Within a Month

A legislator is pushing the central government for a swift response to Yilan County's long-standing transportation infrastructure needs. Wu Tsung-hsien, a legislator and candidate for Yilan County Magistrate, organized a visit by the Legislative Yuan's Transportation Committee to inspect four key projects.

The focal points of the inspection were the proposed extension of the High-Speed Rail (HSR) into Yilan, the extension of National Freeway No. 3 (also known as the Second Northern Freeway) and National Freeway No. 5 (the Chiang Wei-shui Freeway) to connect better with the region, and the construction of the Dongshan interchange. Wu has requested that the Ministry of Transportation and Communications provide a written report outlining its position and plans for these projects within one month.

Officials from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, including Vice Minister Chen Yen-po, attended the inspection. The ministry provided updates on the projects: the HSR extension has completed its second-stage environmental impact assessment and is awaiting executive approval. The extension of National Freeway No. 3 is undergoing route and engineering assessments, with a preliminary report due next month. National Freeway No. 5's extension planning is expected to be completed in October, and the Dongshan interchange project is still under central government review.

During the site visit to the Dongshan interchange, local representatives voiced frustration over the project's prolonged delays. They noted that the plan has undergone six rounds of supplementary submissions, with issues like the capacity of connecting roads debated for years without a resolution. They urged the central government to provide a clear decision, stating what further requirements exist and when the project might proceed. Wu emphasized that these transportation projects are foundational for Yilan's future development, not just concrete construction, and pledged to continue advocating for Yilan's infrastructure needs.

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If the central government has doubts, it should clarify them and solve problems, rather than letting cases drag on indefinitely. Transportation construction is not just concrete engineering; it is the foundation for Yilan's future development.