Kaohsiung City will invest 160 million yuan to build a steel bridge to replace the historic Dongfu Bridge, which is too low, narrow and prone to flooding.

Schematic diagram of steel bridge. (Provided by Kaohsiung City Government)

Dongli, Fengshan District Town, Kaohsiung City, relies on the historic Dongfu Bridge for access to schools and shopping. However, the bridge is too low and narrow, and because it is difficult to rebuild the historic site, heavy rains often flood the bridge deck, affecting the passage of people and vehicles. The city government will invest 160 million yuan to build a 100-meter steel bridge across the Fengshan River and connect 2 miles. Construction is expected next year and completed as soon as 2028.

The historic Dongfu Bridge was built in the Qing Dynasty. It is the only ancient bridge in Taiwan that can be used for modern commuting. It is also the main road from the east side of the town to Fengshan City. Zhang Jianyufang, the district chief, said that residents in the district take their children to Dadong Elementary School to go to school every day, or go to the Second Public Market to buy vegetables. The Dongfu Bridge is a must-pass, but it is small, dangerous and prone to flooding. During heavy rains, the water in Fengshan River surges and often floods the Dongfu Bridge. It is dangerous for people and vehicles to pass through, and it is even flooded and impassable, causing local traffic to be blocked, and people have to take long detours.

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Zhang Jianyufang pointed out that in particular, a large number of people and vehicles pass through every day. The bridge is only 2 meters wide and is too narrow to allow one motorcycle to pass. People and vehicles often compete for the road, forming a long-term traffic bottleneck and affecting the safety of fire and disaster relief. Moreover, the bridge and the roads on both sides have steep slopes, and people and vehicles mix. There is a need to improve traffic safety and traffic flow lines.

The city government will invest 160 million yuan to build a steel structure bridge with a total length of 102 meters across Fengshan Creek, connecting Zhendong Street and Lane 44 of Sanmin Road. The project will include bridge, bridge deck paving, lighting projects, as well as drainage, retaining walls and other approach projects.

The city government considered that the project is adjacent to the historic Dongbianmen Gate on the south side. In order not to damage the existing landscape, the bridge adopts a single-span steel box girder design without falling piers to reduce the impact of the bridge structure on the river and the surrounding environment of the historic site, while taking into account the road traffic function and the preservation of cultural assets.

The city government pointed out that the basic design review has been completed and the design will be completed before the end of the year. Construction is expected to begin next year and be completed as soon as 2028.

The Kaohsiung City Government will build a steel bridge to connect 2 miles across the Fengshan River. (Photo by reporter Chen Wenchan)

This time, heavy rain flooded the Dongfu Bridge, blocking local traffic. (Provided by Chief Zhang Jianyufang)

Fengshan Dongfu Bridge is a historic site and the only ancient bridge in Taiwan that can still be used for modern commuting. (Photo by reporter Chen Wenchan)