Dragon Boat Festival Holiday Traffic Expected to Reach 1.3x Normal Levels; Northbound Traffic on National Highway 5 May Be Congested Until Late Night on June 20

By Central News Agency reporter Huang Chiao-wen, Taipei, June 17

After several days of continuous heavy rain, the Dragon Boat Festival holiday is expected to bring clear skies. The Ministry of Transportation's Highway Bureau announced today that traffic volume during the holiday is expected to reach approximately 1.3 times normal levels, with congestion likely during peak hours on certain sections. On June 20, northbound traffic on National Highway 5 is expected to surge, potentially remaining congested from 1 p.m. through late night.

According to weather forecasts from the Central Weather Administration, this year's Dragon Boat Festival holiday will feature mostly cloudy to sunny conditions across Taiwan. However, isolated short-duration thunderstorms are expected in central and northern regions, northeastern areas, and other mountainous regions during afternoon hours. Scattered brief showers may occur in southern regions during early morning.

In a press release, the Highway Bureau stated that following the recent rainy period, the upcoming holiday is expected to see traffic volumes rise to about 1.3 times normal levels, primarily driven by tourism and返乡 travel. Certain road sections are expected to experience congestion during peak hours, and the public is advised to consider using public transportation for travel.

Based on the Highway Bureau's traffic forecasts, northbound traffic on National Highway 5 from Yilan to Pinglin is expected to surge starting at 1 p.m. on June 20 and may remain congested into late night. On the return day, June 21, congestion may begin as early as 10 a.m. and is not expected to ease significantly until after 9 p.m.

The Highway Bureau recommends that drivers planning shorter to medium-distance trips consider using provincial or county roads instead of freeways. For long-distance travel, drivers are advised to monitor the Highway Bureau's traffic updates, refer to congestion relief measures and recommended 'smooth travel time windows' to avoid heavily congested highway sections and peak times. Before departure, travelers can use the 'Highway 1968' app to check real-time traffic conditions and flexibly adjust their itineraries.

The Highway Bureau also urges drivers to ensure adequate rest before departure, fasten seat belts upon entering the vehicle, pay attention to traffic conditions ahead, maintain safe following distances, and avoid distracted or drunk driving to ensure road safety. (Edited by Huang Ming-hsi)

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