On the eve of the Qingming Festival, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Hualien, Taiwan on April 3rd, causing disruptions to the transportation systems including roads and railways in eastern Taiwan. It is advisable for travelers during this Qingming holiday to pay special attention to the transportation situation before traveling.Earthquake Road Closure Map
【Please make sure to plan your transportation carefully before traveling to Yilan and Hualien after the earthquake on April 3rd.】
Due to the earthquake, the transportation in Yilan and Hualien has been significantly affected. Specific damages include falling rocks at the north entrance of the Old Su-Hua Highway's Aohua Tunnel, separation of the Guanyin Bridge gap on the Su-Hua Improvement Project, and multiple landslides along various sections. The entire Su-Hua Highway is closed for repairs. Travel between Yilan and Hualien is currently disrupted, so please take extra caution. In response to the earthquake, the National Freeway Bureau estimates a slight decrease in travel demand on National Highway 5. They have also canceled the closure of the Shiding and Pinglin entrance ramps from midnight on April 4th to noon and from 5 AM to noon on April 5th.
【Public Transportation Inquiry for Yilan-Hualien】
Before taking public transportation to Yilan-Hualien, be sure to inquire about the latest train service information. You can do so via 1. the official website of Taiwan Railways Administration, 2. Taiwan Railways Administration's 24-hour passenger service hotline at 02-2191-0096 or toll-free number 0800-765-888.
【Traffic control measures during the Qingming Festival】
Considering the traffic flow for tomb sweeping during the Qingming Festival, the Ministry of Transportation's main control measures include the periodic closure of some ramps and service area access roads, as well as high-occupancy vehicle controls on the northbound lanes of National Highway 5.Holiday Traffic Control Integrated Information Photo by Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation During the Qingming Festival holiday period from April 4th to April 7th, if you plan to travel from Taipei to Yilan, please note that National Highway 5 will implement specific traffic diversion measures to cope with the high traffic volume during the holiday. Here are some key measures:
Holiday Traffic Control Integrated Information Photo by the Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation and Communications
【High Occupancy Control】
From April 5th to 7th, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily, the northbound entrance ramps at the Su'ao, Luodong, Yilan, and Toucheng interchanges on National Highway 5 will be subject to High Occupancy Control (the end time will be adjusted based on traffic conditions). This measure aims to reduce vehicle density and increase traffic flow by requiring vehicles to carry a certain number of passengers to enter the highway.
【Gate Closure】
To control the flow of traffic entering the expressway, the southbound entrance ramps of National Highway 5 in Shiding and Pinglin are closed. (During the closure of the southbound entrance ramp in Shiding, it will be designated for use by buses only).
【Toll Collection Measures】
Single Rate: April 4th to 7th. Toll Suspension: April 4th to 7th, toll collection suspended from 0:00 to 5:00 daily.
【Shoulder Opening】
During periods of heavy traffic, the emergency lane (shoulder) may be temporarily opened to small vehicles to increase road capacity.
【Alternative Routes】
Considering potential congestion on National Highway 5 during the holiday period, the National Freeway Bureau may recommend alternative routes, such as Provincial Highway 9.
Additionally, considering potential congestion, plan your itinerary in advance and allow for ample travel time. If possible, avoid peak hours or consider using public transportation such as trains or buses to travel to Yilan.
