A massive landslide on Sunday blocked several access routes to Hualien. Road traffic and railway services were limited and canceled, as crews rushed to clear the debris. The railway tracks were cleared at 6 a.m. on Monday, allowing for the resumption of services to Taipei. Over on Provincial Highway 9, traffic controls will remain in place until 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

It’s 9 in the morning, and passengers carrying luggage are ready to hop on the train. Railway services between Hualien and Taipei have finally resumed, two hours ahead of schedule.

Huang Wen-tien
Hualien Railway Station
A landslide blocked the tracks between Chongde and Heren Roads. The relevant authorities were dispatched to make repairs. Standing tickets will be available on all Tze-Chiang Express services before midnight.

Some passengers had bought southbound tickets to then take the High Speed Rail northward on the west coast. But once they saw that direct trains to Taipei were available again, they rushed to change their tickets and grab a Puyuma Express.

Traveler
I just want to get back to Taipei as soon as possible, because I have work matters to attend to.

Over on the highway, workers have put up traffic cones and closed off fences to control traffic along Provincial Highway 9 while the debris is cleared. The Chongde Section is now only open three times a day, at 10 a.m., at noon and at 3 p.m. Controls are lifted after 5 p.m. and on weekends and holidays.

Driver
Getting around is not easy, especially between Taipei and Yilan.

Hualien was hit hard by a storm on Sunday, causing massive landslides that have blocked transport links. Two-way traffic and night-time traffic are expected to resume in full at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Still, if you are planning on traveling around Hualien, make sure to check the road conditions first.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#台灣新聞 #TaiwanNews #民視新聞 #FTV新聞 #Taiwan