Muguaxi Bridge on Taiwan's Route 9 Reopens After Reconstruction, Enhancing Safety and Disaster Resilience
The Directorate General of Highways announced that the reconstruction of the Muguaxi Bridge on Taiwan’s Route 9—an essential link between northern Hualien and the East Rift Valley—was officially completed and opened on November 7. The new bridge significantly enhances flood and earthquake resistance while easing long-standing congestion and improving commuting efficiency and road safety.According to the agency, the Muguaxi Bridge is a key connector from Hualien City to Shoufeng and Fenglin. The old bridge had only one fast lane and one slow lane, causing severe traffic congestion during peak hours. To resolve this bottleneck, reconstruction began in December 2020 using a “half-and-half construction method,” ensuring traffic flow remained uninterrupted throughout the project.The new bridge features a prestressed box-girder structure, with separate main bridges for northbound and southbound traffic. It spans 1,225 meters in length and 14 meters in width. To enhance structural resilience, the bridge deck was raised by 3.16 meters above the levee to strengthen flood resistance; pier spacing was extended from 35 to 55 meters, and foundation depth increased from 15 to 30 meters—greatly improving seismic performance.Reconstruction project of the Muguaxi Bridge on Taiwan Route 9, km 212K+800 to 214K+685 (Photo courtesy of the Directorate General of Highways)Beyond structural upgrades, the bridge boasts an elegant design that blends seamlessly with surrounding natural scenery. A scenic pedestrian pathway allows visitors to enjoy views of Mt. Qilai and the East Rift Valley rice fields, making the bridge a new landmark combining transportation and tourism value.The Directorate General of Highways stated that the reconstruction embodies the spirit of “Sustainable Rift Valley, Safe Journey,” showcasing harmony between modern engineering and the natural environment while advancing transportation safety and regional development in the Hua-Dong region.