Impact of Danjiang Bridge Opening: 'Sunset Traffic' Becomes a Weekend Norm in New Taipei

Two weeks after the opening of the Danjiang Bridge, an analysis of recent traffic flows by the New Taipei City Transportation Bureau shows that while traffic is generally smooth on weekdays, a clear 'sunset viewing traffic' has formed on weekends from afternoon to evening due to a large influx of tourists to Tamsui. The bureau urges the public to make more use of public transportation. In a press release issued today, the Transportation Bureau stated that since the opening of the Danjiang Bridge, it has not only shared the traffic load of Tamsui and Bali but has also become a popular new route for people to enjoy scenery and sunsets on holidays. The bureau stated that according to recent traffic analysis, while weekday traffic is generally smooth, the large influx of tourists to Tamsui on weekend afternoons and evenings has formed a clear 'sunset viewing traffic.' The period from 2 PM to 6 PM is the time of greatest traffic pressure, and the bureau has already initiated several traffic diversion measures. The bureau noted that holiday traffic patterns are highly tourism-oriented, with traffic gradually increasing after 10 AM and peaking between 2 PM and 6 PM. Traffic often backs up to Provincial Highway 64 or the Bali ramp, with the longest backups reaching about 1.5 to 3 kilometers. Among these, the intersection of Zhongzheng Road Section 2 and Shalun Road has become the main bottleneck where traffic from all directions converges. The bureau noted that the number of pedestrians and cyclists on the bridge increases on holidays, and combined with strong winds on the bridge deck, it reminds drivers to slow down and pay attention to safety. Surrounding parking lots are also often near capacity from afternoon to evening. The bureau urges the public to make more use of public transport such as the MRT, buses, and YouBike when visiting the Tamsui and Bali areas on holidays to avoid long waits in traffic.