Upon its completion next year, the new Tamkang Bridge (淡江大橋) in New Taipei City is to be an important landmark in Taiwan, alongside Taipei 101, Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shi-kai (陳世凱) said today.
The bridge is scheduled to be completed in December next year and open to the public in the first half of 2026, connecting New Taipei City’s Tamsui (淡水) and Bali (八里) districts.
It is an asymmetric single-tower suspension bridge, nearly 70 stories tall, designed by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid.
Photo: Taipei Times
The bridge aims to alleviate traffic in Tamsui and on the Guandu Bridge (關渡大橋), in addition to increasing the area’s industrial traffic routes, especially for the Port of Taipei (台北港).
Fireworks from the bridge on New Year’s Eve, like those at Taipei 101, would be a world-class highlight, Chen said during an inspection of the construction site.
The benefits to Taiwan’s tourism industry around the two events would be large, he added.
The fireworks could be organized by the local government, while the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) is to focus on completing the bridge to improve traffic and enhance tourism, he said.
Upon completion, the bridge is expected to handle 24,000 to 25,000 visitors on holidays, Chen said.
It would have a management center that is to oversee maintenance, serve as a visitor center, sell souvenirs and more, he added.
The bridge would also have pedestrian and bicycle lanes to encourage tourists to visit and allow visitors to walk and enjoy sunset views, he said.
There is a professional, hard-working team behind this project, he said, adding that today was his first site visit since ascending to the role of transportation minister.
The hope is that the bridge is to be completed on schedule, safely and meet the public’s expectations to allow citizens to benefit from its convenience and attractions, he said.
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