TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Heavy traffic is anticipated on Taiwan’s major highways as the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday kicks off Saturday, the Freeway Bureau said.
Highway traffic volume is projected to reach 106 million vehicle kilometers, 1.2 times the annual average daily volume of 92 million vehicle kilometers. The term “vehicle kilometers” refers to the total distance traveled by all vehicles on the highways combined, per CNA and UDN Money.
Southbound traffic alone is expected to hit 60 million vehicle kilometers, 1.3 times the daily average. To ease congestion, authorities have implemented measures such as flat-rate tolls, the opening of shoulder lanes, the use of alternative routes, and ramp metering.
Drivers heading south are advised to plan their trips for Saturday afternoon to avoid peak travel hours.
The bureau also cautioned that scattered showers are forecast for east Taiwan and areas north of Taoyuan. Drivers are reminded to turn on their headlights during heavy rain, maintain longer following distances, drive cautiously, and refrain from changing lanes to ensure safety.
Heavy congestion predicted:
- National Freeway No. 1 (Southbound): Yangmei to Hsinchu, Changhua System to Puyan System
- National Freeway No. 3 (Southbound): Tucheng to Guanxi, Kuai-Guan to Wufeng
- National Freeway No. 5 (Southbound): Nangang System to Toucheng
- National Freeway No. 4 (Westbound): Tanzi System to Fengshi
- National Freeway No. 6 (Westbound): Jiuzheng to Wufeng System
- National Freeway No. 10 (Eastbound): Dingjin System to Yanchao System, and westbound from Renwu to Zuoying