Keelung’s Nuanjang Bridge set for relaunch

2015-01-07

Refurbishment of Keelung’s Nuanjang Bridge is on track for completion by the end of January, with the structure set to improve traffic flows and access to the northern Taiwan municipality.

Spanning Keelung River, the all-steel bridge has been expanded from two lanes to four. In addition, it boasts structural improvements enabling it to withstand more frequent and powerful earthquakes.

“Nuanjang is expected to play a pivotal role in making downtown increasingly accessible to Nuannuan District and improving commute times to and from New Taipei City,” a Keelung City Government official said. “It also offers visitors a convenient way to visit the metropolis and enjoy local sights and sounds.”

The official said work on the bridge commenced in January 2014 and is budgeted at over NT$170 million (US$5.37 million). “Once completed, the widened 3.45-meter pedestrian-cyclist lane will serve as an attraction in its own right for those eager for a bird’s-eye view of the river’s potholes.”

A pothole is a circular depression on the river bed forged from bedrock. Keelung River boasts 2,074 of the landforms, the largest number nationwide.

In addition, the official said, the structure will be illuminated with eye-catching light shows. “Whether you travel to Keelung day or night, you can enjoy the best of the city courtesy of our new-look bridge."

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xitem=225936&CtNode=416)