Mataian River temporary road open after safety checks

馬太鞍溪便道安檢後開通

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Highway Bureau said Sunday the temporary culvert road across the Mataian River would lift most vehicle restrictions at noon, after safety checks.

Trailer trucks remain prohibited, but all other vehicles may pass, with a speed limit of 30 kph, per CNA.

The Mataian barrier lake overflowed during Typhoon Ragasa last month, triggering severe floods and mudslides.

The bureau completed emergency repairs and opened the temporary road at the 232-kilometer mark of Provincial Highway No. 9 on Friday, initially allowing only small vehicles and emergency rescue vehicles. After safety tests, the site was assessed to be in good condition.

To maintain safety, the bureau has integrated real-time meteorological data — including rainfall and radar echo intensity from the Central Weather Administration — into its road-closure management system. Water-level gauges are installed at the culvert and 2 km upstream to continuously monitor levels.

CCTV cameras on both the northern and southern embankments provide real-time video of riverbed water levels and traffic. Personnel are on duty 24 hours a day to observe upstream rainfall and river changes.

The bureau said the next phase is construction of a temporary steel bridge, scheduled for completion by the end of January.