Typhoon Bavi Approaches; Traffic Control to Be Implemented on 6 Freeway Sections Based on Wind Speed

(CNA, reporter Yu Hsiao-han, Taipei, July 9) As Typhoon Bavi gradually approaches Taiwan, the Freeway Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications announced today that traffic control measures, including reducing speed limits, prohibiting large vehicles, advising detours, or closing sections, will be implemented on six freeway sections, such as National Freeway No. 1's Xiwu Viaduct and Wuyang Viaduct, depending on actual weather conditions.

According to observations by the Central Weather Administration, the center of Typhoon Bavi was located at 19.0 degrees North latitude and 128.6 degrees East longitude at 5 p.m. today, approximately 870 kilometers east-southeast of Eluanbi.

The Freeway Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications issued a press release today stating that some elevated sections of the freeway are significantly affected by crosswinds, which may cause vehicles to deviate. Large vehicles, with their larger surface area exposed to the wind, are more susceptible to strong winds affecting driving stability.

The Freeway Bureau pointed out that traffic control measures such as reducing speed limits, prohibiting large vehicles, advising detours, or closing sections will be implemented on sections prone to strong winds.

The Freeway Bureau stated that strong wind control sections on freeways are classified into Class A and Class B based on historical wind conditions and the availability of alternative routes. Class A sections are more prone to strong winds and may involve prohibiting large vehicles or closing the section when necessary; Class B sections primarily involve reducing speed limits and advising large vehicles to detour.

Class A controlled sections include National Freeway No. 1's Xiwu Viaduct and Wuyang Viaduct, National Freeway No. 1 from kilometer marker 373 to the Kaohsiung Port connection, National Freeway No. 3 from Yanchao System Interchange southward, and National Freeway No. 5 from Toucheng to Suao. Class B controlled sections include National Freeway No. 3 from Hsiangshan to Kuai-kuan, and National Freeway No. 4 from Ching-shui to Feng-shih.

According to regulations, for Class A controlled sections, if the average wind speed reaches level 7 or above but below level 8, the maximum speed limit will be reduced to 70 kilometers per hour, and large vehicles will be prohibited from driving on elevated sections. If the average wind speed reaches level 8 or above but below level 10, the maximum speed limit will be reduced to 40 kilometers per hour, and large vehicles will continue to be prohibited. If the average wind speed reaches level 10 or above, relevant sections will be closed depending on the situation.

For Class B controlled sections, if the average wind speed reaches level 7 or above but below level 8, the maximum speed limit will be reduced to 70 kilometers per hour, and large vehicles will be advised to detour. If the average wind speed reaches level 8 or above, the maximum speed limit will be reduced to 40 kilometers per hour, and large vehicles will continue to be advised to detour.

The Freeway Bureau reminds the public to minimize unnecessary outings during typhoon alerts. If travel is necessary, please check the latest traffic and control information released by the Freeway Bureau's website, the Freeway 1968 App, and police radio stations before departure, and plan alternative routes in advance.

If you encounter strong winds, heavy rain, or poor visibility while driving, be sure to turn on your headlights, reduce your speed, increase the following distance, and grip the steering wheel firmly. Avoid sudden braking, sharp turns, or changing lanes arbitrarily. If hydroplaning occurs, release the accelerator, stabilize the steering wheel, and slow down gradually. Do not brake suddenly. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150709

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