Labor Day Weekend Traffic: National Freeway 5 Northbound Likely Congested Until Late Night on May 2
Taiwan's Freeway Bureau warns of severe traffic congestion during the 3-day Labor Day holiday (May 1-3). Heavy traffic is expected on National Freeway 5, especially northbound on May 2.
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- 📰 Published: April 29, 2026 at 14:15
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The Labor Day holiday in Taiwan lasts for three days from May 1st to 3rd. The Freeway Bureau stated today that certain sections are prone to congestion during peak hours. Traffic is expected to emerge on the southbound section of National Freeway 5 from Nankang System to Toucheng starting at 6:00 PM on April 30th. Meanwhile, the northbound section from Yilan to Pinglin might be congested from the afternoon of May 2nd until late night.
According to the weather forecast from the Central Weather Administration, the first two days of the holiday will be mostly cloudy to sunny across the country, with only scattered showers in eastern regions and the Hengchun Peninsula, and isolated showers in the central and southern mountains in the afternoon. On the final day of the holiday, another weather front will approach, bringing local showers to southern and Taitung areas, and localized thunderstorms in other regions in the afternoon.
The Freeway Bureau issued a press release estimating that the holiday traffic will be primarily tourism-related. Some sections will be prone to congestion during peak hours. They suggest travelers use public transportation. For those who need to drive, provincial roads are recommended for short to medium distances, while long-distance travelers should monitor road condition reports to avoid congested sections and times.
Specific forecasts indicate that from 6:00 PM on April 30th (the day before the holiday), traffic will emerge on National Freeway 1 southbound (Yangmei to Toufen) and National Freeway 3 southbound (Chungho to Guanxi). Southbound traffic on National Freeway 5 is not expected to ease until late at night.
Furthermore, on May 2nd, the northbound section of National Freeway 5 from Yilan to Pinglin is expected to be congested starting at 1:00 PM, potentially lasting until late night. On the final day, congestion could last from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
In response to the heavy traffic demand, the Freeway Bureau plans to implement several measures, including timed ramp closures, HOV restrictions on National Freeway 5, expanded use of hard shoulders, ramp metering, and toll adjustments. Drivers are reminded to pay attention to road conditions, maintain a safe distance, and avoid speeding, reckless lane changes, or sudden braking to ensure safety.
According to the weather forecast from the Central Weather Administration, the first two days of the holiday will be mostly cloudy to sunny across the country, with only scattered showers in eastern regions and the Hengchun Peninsula, and isolated showers in the central and southern mountains in the afternoon. On the final day of the holiday, another weather front will approach, bringing local showers to southern and Taitung areas, and localized thunderstorms in other regions in the afternoon.
The Freeway Bureau issued a press release estimating that the holiday traffic will be primarily tourism-related. Some sections will be prone to congestion during peak hours. They suggest travelers use public transportation. For those who need to drive, provincial roads are recommended for short to medium distances, while long-distance travelers should monitor road condition reports to avoid congested sections and times.
Specific forecasts indicate that from 6:00 PM on April 30th (the day before the holiday), traffic will emerge on National Freeway 1 southbound (Yangmei to Toufen) and National Freeway 3 southbound (Chungho to Guanxi). Southbound traffic on National Freeway 5 is not expected to ease until late at night.
Furthermore, on May 2nd, the northbound section of National Freeway 5 from Yilan to Pinglin is expected to be congested starting at 1:00 PM, potentially lasting until late night. On the final day, congestion could last from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
In response to the heavy traffic demand, the Freeway Bureau plans to implement several measures, including timed ramp closures, HOV restrictions on National Freeway 5, expanded use of hard shoulders, ramp metering, and toll adjustments. Drivers are reminded to pay attention to road conditions, maintain a safe distance, and avoid speeding, reckless lane changes, or sudden braking to ensure safety.