President Tsai launches reconstruction of Yilan’s Nanfangao Bridge

2020/10/07

President Tsai Ing-wen officially launched the reconstruction of Yilan County’s Nanfangao Bridge during a commencement ceremony in northeastern Taiwan Oct. 5, pledging to guarantee the safety of the country’s crossings one year on from the collapse of the previous structure.
 
 The central government is working with all relevant agencies and organizations to facilitate rebuilding and ensure the region’s transportation system is restored to normal as soon as possible, Tsai said.
 
 As Nanfangao Port approach its centennial, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Fisheries Agency are discussing with Yilan County Government about plans to build the area into a major fisheries trade center and tourist destination, she added.
 
 On Oct. 1, 2019, the 21-year-old, 140-meter-long Nanfangao Bridge suffered a structural failure. Debris from the collapse plummeted 18 meters into the water, crushing three fishing boats, killing 6 people and injuring 12 others in the process.
 
 According to Tsai, after the incident, she instructed the MOTC to conduct comprehensive inspections and reinforcement work when necessary on all the country’s bridges. New protocols and a more sophisticated information management system have also been implemented, she said.
 
 Tsai thanked all those involved in the reconstruction project, adding when the new bridge opens in two years’ time, it will be a moment of great celebration and signal new opportunities for the local economy.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)