Kaohsiung MRT Gangshan-Luzhu extension to remove major pipeline by end of July

Central News Agency, Kaohsiung, May 24. Construction on the second phase of the Kaohsiung MRT Gangshan-Luzhu extension is moving forward rapidly. The Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Bureau announced today that the second phase is divided into 2A and 2B projects. The 2A project has reached approximately 33.59% completion, and a large pipeline obstructing the path under Provincial Highway 1 is expected to be removed by the end of July. The 2B project is currently in the detailed design phase. The Kaohsiung MRT Gangshan-Luzhu extension is being promoted in two phases, with a total of 8 elevated stations. The first phase, from the Red Line R24 station north to the RK1 Gangshan station, began operations in June 2024. The second phase is subdivided into 2A and 2B. The Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Bureau stated in a press release today that the 2A project (stations RK2 to RK6) began in early 2023 and reached 33.59% progress as of the 20th. The biggest challenge for the 2A project was dealing with a large, aging 2000mm diameter water main under Provincial Highway 1. Considering the construction interface between the pipeline relocation and the MRT project, the Bureau and the Taiwan Water Corporation reached a consensus to treat the pipeline relocation as a precursor to the main MRT construction. The final stage of the switchover is expected to be completed by the end of July this year, removing the large obstruction to ensure the main MRT construction can proceed significantly. The Bureau stated that once the underground obstacles are cleared, the construction team will move on to subsequent tasks such as building elevated bridge piers, bridge decks, station structures, and track laying. Once the 2A project is completed, it will connect from RK1 Gangshan station to important nodes such as Gangshan Agricultural & Industrial Vocational High School, Benzhou Industrial Park, and Kaohsiung Science Park. Furthermore, the completion of the 2A project will alleviate traffic congestion on Provincial Highway 1 and National Highway 1 during peak hours, and connect industrial parks and school districts in northern Kaohsiung, driving overall regional development. The 2B project is currently undergoing detailed design and survey work.