Taiwan's Renowned Scenic Drive: The Alpine Highway Reopens
The picturesque Alpine Highway, a popular attraction for both tourists and locals who admire the island's striking landscapes, was severely damaged by a typhoon in 2009. Over 90% of the highway was damaged, and 22 bridges were washed away[1].
This 154-kilometer-long road links Tainan in southwest Taiwan and Taitung in southeast Taiwan. It traverses Taiwan's Yushan National Park, home to Yushan, Taiwan's highest peak, and winds through the towering central mountains[1].
During the journey, travelers pass through breathtaking valleys, lakes, hot springs, hiking trails, and vast cypress forests[1]. The highest point of the highway is a pass elevating 2,722 meters (8,930 feet) above sea level, offering stunning views of a famous "cloud sea" that have long been a favorite among photographers[1].
According to Taiwan's highway administration, which monitors all roads on the island, over 5,800 vehicles used the highway on its opening day[1]. This is welcome news for the island's tourism sector, which suffered significant losses due to travel restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
While Taiwan has eased some entry restrictions and reduced the quarantine period from 10 days to seven days since April, travelers are still unable to embark on international vacations[1]. Inland travel has become even more crucial for the local tourism industry.
The highway reopened on May 1, coinciding with Labor Day's lively weekend, when many Taiwanese choose to take a trip[1].
The process of rebuilding this iconic highway was a long and challenging one. Despite early efforts to repair the damaged sections after typhoons or heavy rainfall, subsequent disasters continued to wreak havoc, necessitating constant reconstruction work[1].
Eventually, engineers dug into the original bedrock to construct more than 120-container-tall retaining walls for reinforcement, laid underground drainage systems, and added vegetation to prevent landslides and erosion[1].
Several sections of the highway are too narrow for heavy construction machinery, forcing repair workers to scale cliffs, install nets, spray cement, and secure beams with ropes while dangling from safety lines[1].
"I think it means keeping the bull's-eye focused," said Lin Wenlong, a construction company executive, in an interview with local media in April[1].
Visitors are encouraged to follow specific guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The popular pass is closed every Tuesday and Thursday, and vehicles must enter between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on these days to minimize disturbances to nocturnal wildlife[1]. Only lightweight vehicles below 5 tons, nine-seat passenger cars, and motorcycles are permitted on the highway[1].
As coastal and mountainous regions are prone to frequent typhoons and landslides in Taiwan, the country's infrastructure, including highways, frequently faces various challenges, necessitating continuous repairs and closures[2][3].
Sources:
[1] Kou, C. (2022, May 1). Taiwan's iconic Alpine Highway reopens after more than a decade of repairs. .
[2] Chen, Y. (2021, October 18). Typhoon landslides continue to plague Taiwan. .
[3] Tsai, M. (2020, April 26). Taiwan revives 'blue-green military' to tackle climate change challenges. .
