Guchuan Bridge Explained

Guchuan Bridge
Native Name:谷川大橋
Native Name Lang:zh
Coordinates:22.7478°N 120.7047°W
Locale:Sandimen and Wutai in Pingtung County, Taiwan
Preceded:Wutai No. 1 Bridge
Design:bridge
Material:Concrete
Material1:Steel
Length:654 meters
Width:10 meters
Piers In Water:1
Begin:2009
Complete:2013
Cost:NT$700 million
Open:5 October 2013

The Guchuan Bridge is a bridge connecting Sandimen Township and Wutai Township in Pingtung County, Taiwan. At the height of 99 meters, it is the tallest bridge pier in Taiwan.

History

The bridge was opened for traffic on 5 October 2013 after four years of construction with a total cost of NT$700 million. The bridge was built to replace the original bridge named Wutai No. 1 Bridge which was destroyed by Typhoon Morakot in August 2009.[1]

Technical specification

The bridge has a length of 654 meters and width of 10 meters, and is made of concrete and steel. It crosses over the North Ailiao River. To avoid damage by flash flood along the river during typhoon season, there is only one pier built in the path of continuous river flow.[2]

Economy

The bridge plays a significant role in the economic activity of Wutai Township which is located in an isolated mountain region in southern Taiwan. Tourists have been coming to the township through the bridge which led to the opening of several new hotels.[3]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: Chiu. Chih-jou. Pan. Jason. 7 October 2013. Bridge to Wutai opens to traffic. Taipei Times. 25 November 2016. 3.
  2. Web site: 5 June 2014. Guchuan Bridge unlocks Rukai tourism potential. Taiwan Today. 25 November 2016.
  3. Web site: 6 May 2014. Guchuan Bridge unlocks Rukai tourism potential. Taiwan heute. 28 November 2016.