New Changchun Bridge and Chunhui Bridge in Taroko Open to Traffic; Changchun Shrine Recreation Area Reopens

▲ The old look of Changchun Bridge. (Photo / From Taroko National Park’s official Facebook page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Since October 2013, Taroko National Park had temporarily closed the Changchun Shrine Recreation Area to carry out bridge reconstruction work due to the aging and disrepair of the Changchun Bridge and Chunhui Bridge. After more than half a year, the project was finally completed on the 25th, and both pedestrian and vehicle traffic reopened at 8:00 AM on the 26th.

The old Changchun Bridge and Chunhui Bridge had served Taroko for nearly sixty years. They were built using the now-obsolete “riveted construction method.” However, due to severe rust and corrosion, as well as potential dangers revealed during Typhoon Saola, the park management decided to demolish and rebuild the bridges last October after careful consideration.

The Taroko National Park Administration stated that although the two new bridges share the same width, they differ in length — the new Changchun Bridge is 60.7 meters long, while the Chunhui Bridge is 39.4 meters long. During construction, each bridge was given an additional 0.9 meters and 1.2 meters of sidewalk respectively to ensure visitor safety. The new bridges also employ the “steel bolt construction method,” which is stronger than the riveted method, and are expected to last another 50 years.

With the completion and reopening of the two new bridges, the park administration also announced on its official website that the section of the Changchun Shrine Trail from the Three Saints Buddha Hall to the Guanyin Cave has been reopened, with the entire trail now accessible.

%The new? large Taroko bridges officially reopened to traffic on the 6th. (Photo / Provided by Taroko National Park)