The Lantan Back Mountain Trail has been restored and will reopen in mid-October.

The landscape bridge on the Lantan Back Mountain Trail is designed without falling piers to reduce the risk of river obstruction and subsequent disasters. (Photo provided by Jia City Government)

The Lantan Back Mountain Trail in Chiayi City was severely damaged by Typhoon Kemi and heavy rains in July last year, causing slope erosion and damage to the trestle. The city government invested 22.18 million yuan in repairs. During the construction period, Typhoon Danas and continuous heavy rains in July last year were encountered, but they still made every effort to complete the project. Mayor Huang Minhui recently inspected the site to confirm the project quality and traffic safety. Today, he announced that it will reopen in mid-October and invites the public to visit the city’s back garden.

The city government stated that due to Typhoon Kemi in July last year, the Lantan Back Mountain Trail was severely eroded, the trestle was damaged, and part of the foundation was lost. It was closed and repaired for the safety of tourists. Due to the rugged terrain of the mountainous area, it is difficult for large machinery to enter the site. Some projects must be constructed manually and by ropes. In addition, Typhoon Danas and heavy rains in July last year during the construction period increased the difficulty of the project.

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The overall project cost of this project is 22.18 million yuan. It not only restores the function of the trail, but also takes into account the ecological landscape and environmental resilience under the premise of safety. The restored landscape bridges are designed without falling piers to reduce the risk of river obstruction and subsequent disasters; the large-area collapsed mountain walls are constructed using plant-derived slope protection methods, with plants and pitons used to stabilize the slopes, and some areas require manual and rope suspension construction.

Zheng Yawen, Director of the City Government's Tourism Information Division, said that the landscape bridge deck and railings are made of plastic wood to improve weather resistance and safety. Side walls that have slipped due to typhoons are fixed with rock nails to strengthen the slope stability, and are combined with vegetation restoration to reduce water and soil erosion. The project also uses local materials to set up permeable earth gabions, which not only stabilizes the slope, but also takes into account carbon reduction and engineering benefits.

In addition, the Haohanpo Trail, which was improved at the beginning of this year, has been adjusted and anti-slip to allow citizens of different ages and physical abilities to use it with peace of mind. The city government will continue to take stock of the public facilities and recreational needs around Lantan, and gradually promote the trail safety, environmental maintenance, landscape construction, and connection of tourism resources to improve the overall environmental quality and tourist attraction of Lantan.

After the severe damage to the two platforms, the Lantan Back Mountain Trail has been repaired and will be reopened. (Photo provided by Jia City Government)

The landscape bridge on the Lantan Back Mountain Trail is completed. (Photo provided by Jia City Government)