Dongfeng Expressway Section 3 Successfully Joined, Full Completion Targeted for 2029 – Vice President Chiang Urges On-Time Delivery

The Dongshi-Fengyuan Metropolitan Expressway (Dongfeng Expressway), hailed as a 'lifeline for rescue' and a 'safe way home' for residents of Taichung's mountainous districts, held its Section 3 closure ceremony on December 12, symbolizing that the Dongshi-to-Shigang segment is entering the final countdown to opening, marking a major breakthrough in the project. Legislative Yuan Vice President Chiang Chih-kang, who has long advocated for and actively secured central government resources for the project, personally attended the site inspection. Vice President Chiang stated that the Dongfeng Expressway is the final missing piece connecting Taichung’s high-speed road network, and the completion of Section 3 is a significant milestone. He further emphasized future plans to extend the expressway to Xinshe, maximizing transportation benefits for the mountainous region.

The Dongfeng Expressway spans approximately 9.6 kilometers with a total construction budget of NT$19.37 billion, divided into five construction lots. Since the 921 earthquake, the mountainous area has urgently needed a convenient external route for disaster relief, emergency medical transport, and traffic diversion from Provincial Highway No. 3—a demand that has persisted for over 20 years. After undergoing re-evaluation and resuming construction, the project restarted smoothly in October 2022 through joint efforts by central and local governments. The Dongshi-to-Shigang segment is scheduled to officially open between December 6 and 10 this year, while the full-line completion, including tunnel sections and the interchange with National Highway No. 4, aims for the end of 2029.

Looking ahead to the overall transportation planning of the mountainous region, Vice President Chiang proposed a forward-looking vision: full-line opening in 2029 is only a phased goal. To maximize the benefits of the secured funding, he has already instructed relevant agencies to begin planning for a future extension to Xinshe, expanding the service coverage of the Dongfeng Expressway.

Vice President Chiang emphasized that once fully operational and extended to Xinshe, the Dongfeng Expressway will significantly reduce travel time between the mountainous districts and downtown Taichung by over 10 to 20 minutes. This will not only boost local agriculture and tourism but also symbolize the completion of the final key piece of Taichung’s 'Four Rings, One Line' high-speed road network, injecting strong momentum into the development of the mountainous region.

Taichung City Construction Bureau Director Chen Ta-tien stated that the closure of Section 3’s bridge deck signifies the imminent opening of the Dongshi-to-Shigang segment, with completion expected in October, a road race planned for November, and official opening in December. The full-line completion remains targeted for 2029. Director Chen especially thanked Vice President Chiang for his active coordination in shortening the restart timeline and securing central government funding, which reduced the city’s financial burden by two-thirds, fulfilling the promise of a safe way home for mountain residents alongside city councilors.

Vice President Chiang noted that the Dongfeng Expressway project has faced a bumpy journey, with nearly a decade of delays due to past policy changes, resulting in an additional cost of nearly NT$10 billion. He stressed that these historical lessons serve as a warning, and that the duty of elected representatives is to continuously secure resources from the central government and push for project execution.

He emphasized, 'Where there is a will, there is a way.' Infrastructure development requires collective effort. This road is not just a safe way home but an urgent lifeline for mountain residents. He urged that subsequent construction must be completed 'on time and to quality standards' to deliver this convenient route to the public as soon as possible.

The Dongshi-Fengyuan Metropolitan Expressway held its Section 3 closure ceremony on December 12, with the Dongshi-to-Shigang segment expected to officially open in early December this year. (Photo/Courtesy of Chiang Chih-kang's Office)