A “Zhongsha Hiking Trail” in Fengren Street, Zhongzheng District, Keelung, which leads to Haimen Tianxian, was completed in 2009 at a cost of NT$3.2 million. However, it was only in use for two years before being interrupted by the construction of the East Coast Outer Road tunnel project. The trail has been abandoned ever since. Recently, city councilors visited the site and questioned the municipal government’s wasteful spending, urging prompt plans for restoration.
Councilor You Xiangyao pointed out that the Zhongsha Hiking Trail was originally built alongside the expansion project of the Zhengxin Tunnel. The approximately 340-meter-long trail was supposed to include features such as steps, railings, and streetlights. However, despite costing over NT$3 million, it was only paved with wooden sleepers and lacked any railings or lighting—features that have drawn public criticism for years.
“This is nothing but budget digestion!” You Xiangyao questioned how the East Coast Outer Road construction began in 2006 while the trail was built in 2008. Shouldn’t the municipal authorities have known about the route of the East Coast Outer Road? As a result, after the trail was completed in 2009, it became unusable in 2011 when tunnel work commenced, rendering the over NT$3 million investment usable for less than two years. “This is simply outrageous!”
Councilor Lü Meiling stated that she had opposed the Zhongsha Hiking Trail project at the time. She will ask the current mayor, Lin Youchang, to explain his plans for the trail. However, Lin responded that the municipal government currently has no plans regarding it.
Public Works Department Director Chang Yuanliang explained that the project originated as a proposal from Zhongsha Li in 2007, submitted via Zhongzheng District Office, and was approved in February 2008 by then-Mayor Chang Tongrong. The city’s Public Works Department subsequently carried out design modifications and construction. Regarding the current state of the trail, there are no further related development plans.
Speaker Song Weili concluded during yesterday’s provisional session, urging the municipal government and the Directorate General of Highways to communicate promptly and carefully consider restoring the original trail. This would allow citizens to access Haimen Tianxian from Fengren Street, provide a quality recreational space, and ensure all safety measures are properly addressed.