Deruikak Bridge Introduction
Maolin District is located in the mountainous area of Kaohsiung, where breathtaking landscapes and indigenous culture are deeply intertwined with this beautiful land. Due to the devastation caused by Typhoon Morakot in 2009, access roads were severely damaged. To ensure the safety of local residents and tourists, the Dele Rihka Bridge was completed in 2013 at a cost of NT$700 million. "Dele Rihka" is the pronunciation of "Maolin" in the Rukai language. The bridge is 880 meters long, 10 meters wide, and has a maximum clearance height of 52 meters, making it the third highest pre-stressed box girder bridge in the country. The design of the Dele Rihka Bridge specifically avoids the scouring from the meandering river by situating the bridge supports away from the river bends. The foundations of the bridge pylons reach a depth of 38 meters to withstand the swift currents of Zhuokou Stream. The elevated form of the bridge stands above the winding river, reflecting the lush green mountains layered across the landscape, harmonizing with Maolin's unique terrain. It has not only become a new landmark in the Maolin area but also won a gold medal at the finals of the "2013 Global International Livable Cities Competition" organized by the United Nations Environment Programme.
