Taiping Guangxinglong Bridge Introduction
The Guangxinglong Bridge, located near the 921 Earthquake Memorial Park in Taiping District, Taichung, spans across the Tou-Bian-Keng River, connecting Tai-Ping Road and Xinglong Road Section 1. Built in 1983, it has stood for over 30 years, enduring the devastation of the 921 earthquake and multiple typhoons. The aging bridge has been designated as a dangerous structure; its surface shows signs of wear and concrete spalling, and some of the bridge piers exhibit rusting. The bridge's seismic resilience is insufficient, and its narrow width of only 7.5 meters with two lanes often leads to risky encounters between vehicles, resulting in frequent traffic accidents. Following the merger of Taichung County and City, reconstruction began in 2013, aiming to create a new and grand Guangxinglong Bridge, which measures 232 meters in length and 20 meters in width, expanding the road to a dual four-lane configuration. In line with urban planning, the roads on both ends of the bridge were widened and straightened over 200 meters, significantly improving traffic for local residents and resolving issues such as obstructive roadside trees, sharp curves, and steep gradients. The bridge design draws inspiration from the form of a bat, symbolizing the blessing of good fortune arriving in Taiping. It is hoped that travelers passing through will have a smooth journey and return home safely. The Guangxinglong Bridge features LED landscape lights on its cables, showcasing a variety of color variations including blue, green, purple, and yellow. Additionally, pedestrian and cycling paths have been added on both sides of the bridge, integrated with the recreational spaces along the banks of the Tou-Bian-Keng River, encouraging the public to ride bicycles and enjoy the scenic riverside city views. As night falls, the Guangxinglong Bridge, illuminated by brilliant lights, captivates onlookers with its dazzling presence. At night, it will become a striking new landmark in Taiping District, Taichung, and a popular spot for locals to relax and stroll.
