TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A section of Zhongshan Elevated Road on Provincial Highway 1 in New Taipei's Sanchong District has completed the first phase of repairs, allowing it to fully open to traffic on Wednesday morning (Sept. 4).

One lane of the elevated road had been closed as a massive steel beam fell off a flatbed truck on Aug. 20, destroying a guardrail and a portion of the elevated roadbed. Repair work was completed approximately one month ahead of schedule.

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) inspected the repairs on Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 3) and approved road paving to occur later in the evening. However, the section of Chongan Street immediately below the elevated road will remain closed for another two weeks to allow for frame removal and other road repair work, per UDN.

During his visit to the construction site, Hou thanked workers for their diligence and hard work which allowed repair work to be completed ahead of schedule. Hou also thanked police officers who have been at the scene 24 hours a day since the accident occurred in late August to divert traffic. 

Hou said completing repairs ahead of schedule will reduce the workload on police and reduce the inconvenience experienced by commuters.

New Taipei City Public Works Department Director Feng Chao-lin (馮兆麟) said completing the first phase of repair work will allow two-lane traffic in each direction. Feng said the second phase of repair work involves Chongan Street from Jimei Street to Zhongzheng South Road which will remain closed until framing equipment and other road repair is expected to continue until mid-September.

Feng asked the public to cooperate with on-site traffic volunteers diverting traffic in the area. Feng also apologized for the continued inconvenience caused during repair work and the impact on neighboring businesses and residents.