The strong earthquake on Wednesday morning caused major damage to roads and railways across northeastern Taiwan. As the Tomb Sweeping festival begins, citizens can expect traffic disruptions across the region likely extending beyond the holiday. Transportation Minister Wang Kwo-tsai (王國材) admitted that due to the complete disruption of the railway and highway across the east coast in Hualien and Taitung County, sea travel will have to be used to compensate.
Wang says the New Taipei MRT Circular Line’s Zhonghe section, and TRA Jiaoxi to Hualien line are most severely affected. Haulien’s Quingshui Bridge also completely collapsed. Officials say that due to the constant aftershocks, it is impossible to carry out emergency repairs until the situation stabilizes.
While the Hualien Airport was not affected by the tremors Wednesday morning, it is unable to assist with diverting transportation needs as all flights were fully booked due to the upcoming holiday.
Sea routes have been added to alleviate traffic issues along the east coast. The added routes will travel from Su’ao Port to Hualien Port, with another traveling from Keelung Port to Su’Ao Port. The New Taima Ferry will also assist with transportation beginning on Thursday morning.