Transportation Minister-designate Li Men-yen (李孟諺) gave updates on the proposed Hualien-Taitung expressway draft bill during a legislative session on Monday. Aimed at addressing transportation issues between Hualien and Taitung, Li said that the government is working hard on the Suhua Highway Safety Improvement Project and the Pingnan Expressway Project.
Li detailed progress on the Suhua Highway Project which is undergoing environmental assessments. He added that construction is set to start upon receiving the proper approvals and that the planning of the first phase of the Pingnan Expressway is also underway. Li said these initiatives will streamline travel while ensuring safety standards are met.
In response to concerns about eastern Taiwan's post-earthquake struggles, Li underscored the government's commitment to revitalizing the Hualien-Taitung tourism industry and promised to address these challenges upon assuming office.
Li Men-yen is the current Cabinet Secretary-General and is set to lead the Transportation Ministry after President-elect Lai Ching-te (賴清德) takes office on May 20.