Lunar New Year Holiday: Traffic Congestion on National Highways – Updates & Forecasts

Travelers in Taiwan faced significant disruptions on Thursday, February 21st, as a combination of holiday traffic and multiple accidents snarled roadways across the country. The issues primarily impacted major highways as many returned from the Lunar New Year holiday.

Traffic Congestion and Accidents

As of 1:50 PM local time, a four-vehicle collision occurred on National Highway Number 1 northbound between Minxiong and Dalin, causing traffic backups. Earlier, at 1:30 PM, it was reported that 18 accidents had already occurred on national highways that day, significantly impacting traffic flow. A particularly severe bottleneck developed on National Highway Number 5, between Yilan and Toucheng, where traffic slowed to just 10 kilometers per hour and a queue of vehicles extended 6 kilometers from the Snow Mountain Tunnel’s southern entrance.

Did You Know? As of 11:00 AM, the total traffic volume on Taiwan’s national highways reached 38.9 million vehicle-kilometers.

Multiple Incidents Reported

Several specific incidents contributed to the congestion. At 10:08 AM, a collision involving a small truck and a passenger vehicle on National Highway Number 1 northbound at the Dingjin System exit resulted in the truck overturning and blocking a lane, causing a 1-kilometer backup. Further north, at 10:19 AM, a two-vehicle collision on the same highway near kilometer marker 236.4 also caused a 1-kilometer delay. Later, at 11:06 AM, another two-vehicle collision on National Highway Number 3 northbound near kilometer marker 337.4 resulted in a 3-kilometer backup.

Authorities anticipated continued congestion throughout the afternoon on several key routes, including sections of National Highways 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10.

Traffic Management Measures

In response to the increased traffic, the Highway Bureau implemented several measures. These included closing the Ren’de and Huwei northbound entrances, as well as the Wangtian entrances (both directions) on National Highway Number 1, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The Puyan System and West Coast northbound entrances on National Highway Number 3 were closed between 12:00 AM and 24:00 (midnight). High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) restrictions were also put in place on National Highway Number 5 between Su’ao and Toucheng from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Expert Insight: The implementation of HOV restrictions and entrance closures demonstrates a proactive approach to managing peak traffic flow during the holiday period, aiming to maximize road capacity and reduce overall congestion.

the Highway Bureau suspended toll collection between midnight and 5:00 AM and offered discounted tolls on a section of National Highway Number 3. Road shoulder lanes were opened where possible, and alternative routes were suggested to drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current traffic situation on National Highway Number 5?

As of 1:30 PM, National Highway Number 5 between Yilan and Toucheng is experiencing significant congestion, with traffic moving at only 10 kilometers per hour and a 6-kilometer queue forming near the Snow Mountain Tunnel’s southern entrance.

How many accidents have occurred on Taiwan’s national highways today?

As of 11:00 AM, a total of 18 accidents had been reported on Taiwan’s national highways.

What measures are being taken to manage the traffic congestion?

The Highway Bureau has implemented measures including entrance closures, high-occupancy vehicle restrictions, toll suspensions, and the opening of road shoulder lanes.

As travelers continue to return from the Lunar New Year holiday, will these traffic management strategies prove sufficient to alleviate congestion and ensure smoother journeys?