TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Demolition of Taipei’s Xinsheng-Heping Pedestrian Bridge began on Tuesday (Nov. 19) night as a preservation group tried to halt its destruction. 

Despite protests from residents, the Taipei City Government has decided that it lacked cultural heritage potential, per CNA. The New Construction Office of the Public Works Department said demolition work and traffic controls will occur during off-peak hours from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. between Nov. 19 and 30. 

Members of the preservation group “Protect Xinsheng-Heping Pedestrian Bridge” stayed at the scene and continued to protest, accusing the city government of forced demolition and non-compliant construction. At 1:30 a.m., the beams of the southern section were severed, and by 1:33 a.m., it was on the ground, marking the end of the overpass's 42-year history.

The group live-streamed on Facebook at the demolition site, shouting, "Stop! Put the bridge back!" They also scolded the contractors, demanding they “stop hiding behind the police and face us.” 

"We won't leave until you come out and talk to us," they warned.

The group also said that because the city government suddenly closed the overpass, many personal items had been left behind, including LED strip lights, banners, message boards, and collaborative creations. They stressed that these items represent shared memories of the entire city and the civic engagement process.

The organization demanded that the contractors help remove and collect these items so they could retrieve them.