The Yuchang Bridge on Route 75 was rebuilt and opened to traffic today.
The 0918 Chishang Earthquake in 2022 caused the destruction and collapse of three bridges in Hualien's southern district. People in Yuli, Fuli, and Zhuoxi could only pass through the creek bottom sidewalk. Among them, the Gaoliao Bridge was opened to traffic at the beginning of this year, and the second Yuchang Bridge opened to traffic held an opening ceremony today. As for the Luntian Bridge, it is expected to be opened to traffic at the end of next month.
It is the 4th anniversary since the 0918 earthquake, which destroyed the three bridges connecting the two sides of the Xiuguluan River: the Gaoliao Bridge, the Yuchang Bridge and the Luntian Bridge. For more than three years, residents in Hualien South District have had to take the river path instead, which was interrupted every time by typhoons and heavy rains. Last month, the 0822 heavy rains interrupted it again. Unfortunately, Bao Quan surnamed Huang was washed away by the water.
Residents in the Southern District have gradually come out of the "traffic dark period" this year. The Gaoliao Bridge was opened to traffic during the Lunar New Year. The 0918 earthquake disaster reconstruction project of the "Yuchang Bridge" on Hua 75 Township Road was also recently completed and accepted. The Hualien County Government held the opening ceremony of the Yuchang Bridge today. County Magistrate Xu Zhenwei presided over the ribbon cutting.
The County Government's Construction Department said that the Yuchang Bridge's piers were damaged and its structure collapsed due to the earthquake. It sought central funds for reconstruction and received a special subsidy from the Public Works Committee of the Executive Yuan, investing 527 million yuan in demolition and reconstruction. The Yuchang Bridge spans the Xiuguluan River system and was constructed with higher flood control standards. It was opened to traffic today. The ceremony was attended by legislators Fu Kunqi and Zheng Tiancai, members Zhong Suzheng and Jin Shumin, Yuli Town Mayor Gong Wenjun, Zhuoxi Township Chief Tian Guihua, tribal leaders, township representatives and village chiefs.
The county government pointed out that after the reconstruction of the New Yuda Bridge, the total length of the bridge will be 810 meters, the approach road will be 368 meters, it will be taller and wider, earthquake resistance and flood prevention standards will be improved, and the bridge deck width will be increased to a two-way lane configuration of 9 meters, providing residents with safe passage and a safe way home that can withstand extreme weather.
The Yuchang and Luntian bridges have been opened to traffic in the past two months. The Yuchang and Luntian bridges that were destroyed by the 0823 heavy rain have been closed. Changjiang Dongcheng of Fuli Township said that the second phase of rice harvesting will begin in November. The Luntian Bridge project is currently in close contact with manufacturers and the county government to monitor the progress. Currently, the fastest it is known is that it will be opened to traffic from the end of October to early November, so that it can be used by farmers during the second phase of rice harvest.
The nameplate of Yuda Bridge and New Bridge has images of the Central Mountain Range, Xiuguluan River and Sambar Deer.
The Yuchang Bridge on Hua 75 Line was opened to traffic today. County Magistrate Xu Zhenwei, Legislator Fu Kunqi and his wife attended the bridge and walked up the bridge with Yuli Town Mayor Gong Wenjun and other local people to enjoy the scenery of Xiuguluan River.
The Yuchang access road was washed away during heavy rain at 0822, causing one death. The new bridge was opened to traffic today and the access road will not be repaired.
