The Airport MRT is expected to open by the end of next year. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ High-Speed Rail Bureau stated that once operational, the Taoyuan Airport MRT will span approximately 51.03 kilometers and feature 22 stations along its route, starting from Taipei Main Station and passing through Sanchong, Xinzhuang, Taishan, Linkou, Terminals 1–3 of the airport, Dayuan, Taoyuan, Zhongli, and other areas. Travel time from Taipei Main Station to Taoyuan Airport will be just 35 minutes, significantly reducing the journey time for passengers traveling to and from the airport.
The Airport MRT is expected to be fully operational by the end of next year. (Photo provided by the Taiwan High Speed Rail Bureau)
The High-Speed Rail Bureau stated that dynamic signal testing on the main line of the “Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Access MRT System Construction Project” has been gradually carried out by the contractor since mid-January this year. The dynamic testing of the main line from Taipei Station (A1) to Zhongli Huanbei Station (A21) is being conducted in six sections. Among them, dynamic testing on the main line between Linghang Station (A17) and Huanbei Station (A21) has already begun, with ongoing testing in each section. Additionally, the section between Taipei Station (A1) and Sanchong Station (A2) is expected to join the dynamic testing phase in October this year.
As of the end of January this year, the overall progress of the Airport MRT project stands at 91.77%. Apart from the civil engineering, track construction, and installation of various mechanical and electrical equipment between Sanchong Station (A2) and Zhongli Huanbei Station (A21), which have all been completed, power supply has also been delivered to three main substations, including the Qingpu Depot. Currently, dynamic and integration testing of the mechanical and electrical systems is ongoing. Furthermore, the track laying work on the section from Taipei Station to Sanchong Station has been completed. The concrete pouring for the floating slab track bed at Taipei Station (A1) was finished at the end of 2013, and work is continuing on track bed jacking and aluminothermic welding. Power supply and signaling systems are also undergoing comprehensive installation.
The High-Speed Rail Bureau stated that dynamic signal testing on the main line is one of the most critical test items this year. Moving forward, the bureau will continue to urge the contractor to complete testing in all sections and accelerate progress. While ensuring quality, system stability, and safety, all pre-operational tests will be completed to achieve the goal of full commercial operation by the end of 2015.
● Further Reading:
Asia’s Best Capital City Airports: Taoyuan International Airport Ranks Ninth
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