Independent reviewers estimate it is to cost more than NT$400 million (US$12.38 million) to reinforce sections of the MRT Circular Line after damage caused by last month’s earthquake, the New Taipei City Government said on Monday.
During the magnitude 7.2 quake on April 3, 11 sections of the rail line between Jhonghe (中和) and Banciao (板橋) districts shifted by distances of up to 92cm.
Damage was more serious than initial estimates, with city officials late last month saying it would take at least a year to repair.
Photo courtesy of the New Taipei City Government
Additional reinforcements have been made to ensure stability as frequent aftershocks continue to shake Taiwan, New Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems Director Lee Cheng-an (李政安) said on Monday.
Monitoring shows that the reinforcements have maintained structural stability through the aftershocks, Lee said.
To determine the extent of the structural damage, the department is sharing data with independent experts who on Friday last week convened a third review meeting, he said.
The experts held six seismic force simulations and formulated suggestions for how to improve earthquake safety, Lee said.
They estimate that an additional NT$400 million is needed to reinforce the line, he said, adding that the experts would also assist in determining who should be held financially responsible, although the initial cost would be borne by the city government.
In the meantime, buses would continue to run between Banciao and Jhonghe stations, with adjustments to be made on a rolling basis depending on commuter needs, he added.
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