TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Freeway Bureau (高公局) on Wednesday (Jan. 8) announced potential traffic congestion on National Freeway No. 5 during the Lunar New Year holiday. Officials predict that traffic heading north on the third and fourth days of the holiday may continue until 3 a.m. the following day. Authorities advise travelers to start their journeys before 9 a.m. to avoid delays.
The bureau released a statement emphasizing the implementation of several priority measures for large buses on National Freeway No. 5 to bypass heavily congested areas. Officials expect that using these buses could save travelers over 30 minutes compared to driving. They recommend taking advantage of these services.
Authorities anticipate significant travel and return traffic to popular tourist destinations in the Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung areas during the holiday. To alleviate congestion, the bureau will close the southbound entrances at Shiding and Pinglin from Jan. 29-31, from 5 a.m. to noon, designating Shiding as a bus-only entrance. Additionally, from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, they will enforce high-occupancy vehicle controls at the northbound entrances in Su'ao, Luodong, Yilan, and Toucheng from 1-6 p.m.
Historical data indicates that southbound peak traffic on the first to third days of the holiday typically occurs from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. For those needing to drive southbound, officials suggest departing before 5 a.m. or after 5 p.m. During northbound peak periods from the second to fifth days, they advise travelers to use alternative routes, such as Provincial Highway No. 9, to avoid congestion on National Freeway No. 5.