The removal of the Gongguan roundabout in Taipei’s Zhongzheng District (中正) was completed at 6am today.
It was replaced with a controlled intersection that features designated left-turn lanes at every roadway, enabling most motorcyclists to directly turn left, Taipei City Traffic Engineering Office deputy head Huang Hui-ju (黃惠如) said last night.
The only exception is at the Fuhe Bridge exit, where motorcyclists would still be required to make a two-stage left turn, she said, adding that left-turn waiting zones have been included where necessary.
Photo: CNA
Bus stop locations have also been adjusted, and passengers should note the new boarding areas, Huang said.
As today is a national holiday, heavier traffic flow is not expected until tomorrow, but drivers should be aware and comply with the new traffic signs, she said.
Remaining construction, including pedestrian refuge islands, is expected to be completed in the first half of next month, the office said.
Construction began on Sept. 13.
The removal was protested, but city officials said that the roundabout, which was built in 1967, had been the city's top site for traffic accidents for the past seven consecutive years.
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