The New Changan Bridge opens for traffic
The New Changan Bridge, built by New Taipei City government, was officially opened on 17th of November. The construction aimed to address traffic congestion and flood issues at Xizhi. The new bridge not only met the 2009 flood defence standard, but also equipped with landscape lighting system.
The opening ceremony of the 353-meter long bridge took place at 10:40 in the morning. Mayor Eric Chu, New Taipei City councillors, and local residents participated in the event, and the bridge officially opened to traffic at 3 pm.
The old narrow Changan Bridge, lower than the levee height, did not meet the flood safety standard. It not only caused traffic congestions often, but was also frequently closed due to heavy rains and typhoon. The city government decided to solve problems by constructing a new bridge on March 2011.
Mayor Chu hoped that the bridge can solve congestion and flood issues; he believed that the traffic system for the area would improve once the New Shehou Bridge was opened. In addition, several constructions including the MRT Minsheng Xizhe line would be adding to develop Xizhe District.