Holiday Travel Alert: Expect Major Delays on Taiwan's Freeways This Weekend

Authorities advise drivers to plan ahead as holidaymakers flock to the roads for Teachers' Day break.

Taiwan is bracing for significant traffic congestion on its national freeways this Saturday afternoon, marking the beginning of the three-day Teachers' Day holiday. The Freeway Bureau has identified seven key sections expected to experience heavy delays as travelers embark on their holiday journeys.

To navigate the expected surge, motorists are strongly encouraged to stay updated on real-time traffic conditions, consider traveling outside of peak hours, and seek alternative routes to avoid the most congested areas. The bureau also highlighted the importance of utilizing public transportation options to alleviate road strain.

Early reports indicated substantial slowdowns, with southbound traffic on Freeway No. 1 between the Hukou Service Area and Zhubei moving at a mere 14 kilometers per hour. Similarly, vehicles on the southbound lanes between Zhulin and Baoshan were traveling at approximately 20 kilometers per hour, according to the bureau's live traffic data.

Looking ahead to the afternoon, the Freeway Bureau forecasts congestion on several critical stretches. These include the elevated southbound lanes between the Airport System Interchange and Yangmei, the Yangmei-Toufen section, and the segment between the Changhua and Puyan system interchanges. Northbound traffic is also anticipated to be heavy between Yuanshan and the Dahua System Interchange.

Further areas expected to see increased traffic volume include the southbound Freeway No. 5 from Nangang System Interchange to Toucheng, the westbound Freeway No. 10 from Renwu to Zuoying, and the northbound lanes between Yuanshan and the Dahua System Interchange.

While three traffic incidents earlier in the day, including one on the southbound lanes of Freeway No. 3, caused temporary disruptions, these have since been resolved, according to the bureau.