TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The main span of the Danjiang Bridge, which connects Tamsui District and Bali District in New Taipei, has reached around 89% completion and is expected to open to traffic on May 12, CNA reported.

The city government said the bridge spans about six km and has a deck width of 44 to 55 meters. The design features two express lanes in each direction, along with motorcycle lanes, sidewalks, and bicycle paths, and includes reserved space for a future light rail system.

The project is expected to cut commuting time between the two districts by about 25 minutes, boost development in areas surrounding Taipei Port, and serve as a key transportation link connecting Tamsui District’s Danhai New Town to the rest of the city.

The bridge’s asphalt paving was completed on Thursday using a three-layer design. It features a steel deck as the base, a 4-cm layer of gussasphalt in the middle, and a top layer of treated asphalt, which together help reduce the risk of corrosion caused by the high humidity and salinity at the river mouth where the bridge is located.

CC Engineering, which is in charge of the bridge’s asphalt paving work, said that gussasphalt is a special type of asphalt that flows easily when poured onto a steel bridge deck. Once it sets, it forms a dense, waterproof layer that can withstand temperature changes and heavy traffic, helping to extend the bridge’s lifespan.

The Highway Bureau said the bridge is supported by 94 steel cables, each equipped with systems to reduce vibrations and withstand a magnitude-7 earthquake. LED light poles are being installed along both sides, with all 126 expected to be in place by February.

The bureau noted the main span of the bridge provides a navigation channel 200 meters wide and 20 meters high underneath, allowing nearby fishing boats and yachts to pass safely without hitting the bridge.

According to the transportation ministry, the bridge will have Taiwan’s longest expansion joint, measuring up to 90 cm compared with a typical 30-cm joint. This feature allows the bridge to handle movements caused by temperature changes, strong winds, or earthquakes, helping keep the structure stable.