Zhongxiao Bridge Overpass Demolition Method Change: Taipei City Says Superior to Original Plan
Taipei City Councilor Ma Yu-wen raised allegations of favoritism in the change of the Zhongxiao Bridge overpass demolition method. The Public Works Department explained that, based on the Government Procurement Act, the alternative method proposed by the contractor was superior to the original plan, contributing to a shorter construction period and reduced traffic impact, denying any irregularities.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 19:39
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 20:01 (22 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 20:32 (31 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Yang Shu-min, Taipei, April 28) Taipei City Councilor and Zhongzheng-Wanhua candidate Ma Yu-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party today questioned whether the change in the Zhongxiao Bridge overpass demolition method involved favoritism. The Public Works Department stated that the Government Procurement Act allows contractors to propose alternative construction methods, which is common practice, and the method proposed in this case was superior to the original contract plan.
Ma Yu-wen posted on Threads today, stating that the investigative agency is reopening an investigation into whether there was favoritism towards the contractor, Huang Chang Construction, in the demolition of the Zhongxiao Bridge overpass.
Ma Yu-wen released a whistleblower's petition letter, which claimed that the Taipei City Government favored the contractor by changing the demolition method from the safer but more expensive cutting method to the cheaper but riskier crushing method. The project cost plummeted from NT$310 million to just NT$30 million.
Ma Yu-wen's post also stated that the Taipei City Government's final report clearly documented that the complex multi-forked intersection on Zhonghua Road, where the Taiwan Railways and MRT Bannan Line, Songshan-Xindian Line underground tunnels pass, required demolition methods that avoid on-site crushing (crushing method) to prevent concrete blocks from falling and causing vibrations, which could affect the operational safety of the railway and MRT. It also specified that comprehensive support should be provided across each span before demolition and that units should be divided and lifted for removal in accordance with the original segments.
Ma Yu-wen further stated that the report mentioned that to ensure the complete preservation of the historic Beimen Gate, demolition of bridges near the ancient monument must employ the mechanical cutting method to reduce construction vibration impact.
In response, the Taipei City Public Works Department explained that the Government Procurement Act allows contractors to propose alternative construction methods, which is a common practice in engineering. The “Zhongzheng-Zhongxiao Bridge Overpass Demolition and Surrounding Roadway Improvement Project” adopted an open tender process with the lowest bid based on varying criteria. The tender conditions allowed contractors to propose alternative construction methods for review by the supervising unit. If superior to the original project's construction period and benefits, these could be negotiated with the Public Works Department at a price not exceeding the original contract amount.
The Public Works Department stated that considering the project site is a critical traffic artery and that construction was planned during the Lunar New Year holiday, the construction company, when bidding, proposed an adjustment to the bridge demolition method in its service proposal as stipulated in the contract. After winning the bid, it submitted a difference analysis for the alternative construction method. After review by the supervising unit, the alternative method was found to be superior to the original contract requirements, and it was executed after approval by the Public Works Department, making it compliant and legal.
The Public Works Department added that the actual construction period was shortened from 8 to 6 days, minimizing traffic impact, and there was no damage to the nearby Beimen Gate historical site and traffic facilities, truly exceeding the original contract requirements.
The Public Works Department further added that Article 35 of the Government Procurement Act stipulates, "Agencies may specify in tender documents that, without lowering original functional conditions, contractors may propose alternative solutions regarding technology, methods, materials, or equipment that can shorten construction periods, save costs, or improve efficiency." (Editor: Xiao Bo-wen) 1150428
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(Central News Agency reporter Yang Shu-min, Taipei, April 28) Taipei City Councilor and Zhongzheng-Wanhua candidate Ma Yu-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party today questioned whether the change in the Zhongxiao Bridge overpass demolition method involved favoritism. The Public Works Department stated that the Government Procurement Act allows contractors to propose alternative construction methods, which is common practice, and the method proposed in this case was superior to the original contract plan.
Ma Yu-wen posted on Threads today, stating that the investigative agency is reopening an investigation into whether there was favoritism towards the contractor, Huang Chang Construction, in the demolition of the Zhongxiao Bridge overpass.
Ma Yu-wen released a whistleblower's petition letter, which claimed that the Taipei City Government favored the contractor by changing the demolition method from the safer but more expensive cutting method to the cheaper but riskier crushing method. The project cost plummeted from NT$310 million to just NT$30 million.
Ma Yu-wen's post also stated that the Taipei City Government's final report clearly documented that the complex multi-forked intersection on Zhonghua Road, where the Taiwan Railways and MRT Bannan Line, Songshan-Xindian Line underground tunnels pass, required demolition methods that avoid on-site crushing (crushing method) to prevent concrete blocks from falling and causing vibrations, which could affect the operational safety of the railway and MRT. It also specified that comprehensive support should be provided across each span before demolition and that units should be divided and lifted for removal in accordance with the original segments.
Ma Yu-wen further stated that the report mentioned that to ensure the complete preservation of the historic Beimen Gate, demolition of bridges near the ancient monument must employ the mechanical cutting method to reduce construction vibration impact.
In response, the Taipei City Public Works Department explained that the Government Procurement Act allows contractors to propose alternative construction methods, which is a common practice in engineering. The “Zhongzheng-Zhongxiao Bridge Overpass Demolition and Surrounding Roadway Improvement Project” adopted an open tender process with the lowest bid based on varying criteria. The tender conditions allowed contractors to propose alternative construction methods for review by the supervising unit. If superior to the original project's construction period and benefits, these could be negotiated with the Public Works Department at a price not exceeding the original contract amount.
The Public Works Department stated that considering the project site is a critical traffic artery and that construction was planned during the Lunar New Year holiday, the construction company, when bidding, proposed an adjustment to the bridge demolition method in its service proposal as stipulated in the contract. After winning the bid, it submitted a difference analysis for the alternative construction method. After review by the supervising unit, the alternative method was found to be superior to the original contract requirements, and it was executed after approval by the Public Works Department, making it compliant and legal.
The Public Works Department added that the actual construction period was shortened from 8 to 6 days, minimizing traffic impact, and there was no damage to the nearby Beimen Gate historical site and traffic facilities, truly exceeding the original contract requirements.
The Public Works Department further added that Article 35 of the Government Procurement Act stipulates, "Agencies may specify in tender documents that, without lowering original functional conditions, contractors may propose alternative solutions regarding technology, methods, materials, or equipment that can shorten construction periods, save costs, or improve efficiency." (Editor: Xiao Bo-wen) 1150428
Stand with the facts, every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download CNA's "Firsthand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.