Taipei Gears Up for Safer Roads: Gongguan Roundabout Transformation

Taipei City Mayor Chiang Wan-an Announces Plan to Replace Accident-Prone Roundabout with Controlled Intersection

Taipei, Taiwan – The Taipei City government is set to embark on a significant traffic safety initiative, aiming to revamp the Gongguan roundabout, a notorious site for accidents, and transform it into a safer, controlled intersection. The announcement was made by Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) on Tuesday, signaling a commitment to improving road safety for all city residents.

In a social media update, Mayor Chiang highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding the roundabout, located at the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Keelung Road. Since 2018, this location has consistently topped the list of accident hotspots within the city.

The existing design of the roundabout, according to Mayor Chiang, poses a heightened risk for both vehicles and motorcycles. Furthermore, the complex layout creates significant challenges and dangers for pedestrians attempting to cross.

Initially, the Taipei Department of Transportation explored the possibility of redesigning the intersection while preserving an underground bus lane. However, due to the presence of an intricate network of air wells, water pumping systems, and underlying water supply lines within the roundabout, this approach proved unfeasible.

Consequently, the decision was made to fill in the low-lying area currently occupied by the roundabout and implement a conventional four-way intersection equipped with traffic signals. This change promises to provide a more structured and controlled traffic flow.

Mayor Chiang acknowledged that the construction process will be "difficult," given the high volume of traffic on both Roosevelt and Keelung roads, particularly during peak hours. He has tasked the transportation and public works departments with meticulously planning the construction schedule and timing to minimize disruption to residents.

Adding further detail, Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Ssu-chuan (李四川) emphasized the complexity of the existing roundabout, noting that vehicles currently approach the area from seven different directions, complemented by an overhead overpass.

The city government anticipates authorizing the draft plans for the construction project on Monday and will simultaneously begin allocating the necessary funds to bring this vital project to fruition.