TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Circular Line, or Yellow Line (code Y), will require one year and cost NT$400 million (US$12.3 million) to repair damage from April's massive earthquake.
The magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Hualien on April 3 damaged a section of the Yellow Line between Zhonghe and Banqiao. New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) on April 26 said it will take over a year to repair.
On Monday (May 6), New Taipei City Government Department of Rapid Transit Systems announced it would cost NT$400 million to fix 11 track displacements. To enhance safety, they will use a pot-bearing design, or a special type of bridge bearing made of steel and rubber to withstand large loads, horizontal displacements, and rotation requirements.
Lee Cheng-an (李政安), head of New Taipei's Department of Rapid Transit Systems, said the design team has conducted six simulations to understand how the structures would hold up during quakes. They recommended using the maximum expected force for strengthening the design.
Lee said the department provided construction companies with analysis for constructing the platforms. Subsequently, contractors will manufacture 11 pot bearings, assemble construction frames, replace pot bearings, and restore beams, among other construction tasks.
The repair expenses will be covered by the city's disaster preparedness fund. Before the Circular Line resumes full operation, shuttle bus services between Banqiao and Zhonghe stations will continue.
