Tainan Main Station to re-route roundabout｜Taiwan News
Tainan Main Station will get a new look! On Sept. 9, the city government unveiled a NT$380 million reconstruction plan, but not everyone is impressed. Officials said that contrary to first impressions, the new U-shaped road is expected to ease congestions. Expansions to green areas nearby will also make the surrounding area more pedestrian-friendly.
The roundabout in front of Tainan Main Station is being overhauled. Connecting five different roads, it is an important crossroads in the city. On Sept. 9 the city government unveiled its NT$380 million reconstruction plan, but some locals don’t seem to be too happy about it.
Member of public
Yes, cars will definitely cross more easily, and there’ll be a higher chance for collision. Accident rates at the roundabout are already quite high. Making it U-shaped won’t make accidents less likely, they’ll still happen often.
Member of public
Why are they complicating things? There may be more accidents, and the police might be busier, too.
Member of public
Whether for older adults, people with disabilities, or children, it’ll be a friendlier environment.
The Tainan City Government is planning to re-route the roundabout, turning it into a U-shaped two-way road with five intersections. Once finished, cars entering from Beimen Road, Zhongshan Road, Chenggong Road, Fubei Street and the opposite section of Beimen Road, will be directed to the U-shaped road. The new plan will also add stopping areas for private vehicles and motorbikes, and a bus-waiting area. The city’s transportation bureau said the reconstruction plan will prioritize pedestrians. By expanding the square in front of the station, it’ll be safer and more spacious. What’s more, they’ve carried out a demo run for the traffic lights, which they said will actually ease congestion.
Wu Yu-chih
Tainan public transport director
We’re simplifying the routes and delineating bus waiting areas, so the planning overall will be more comprehensive.
However, a city councilor said that adding more traffic lights will slow down traffic. He also said that more parking spaces should be added.
Shen Cheng-tung
Tainan councilor (DPP)
The bus routes and road signposts should facilitate people moving out of the area. I believe all these things are important.
The city government emphasized that things are still in planning. Additionally, more space will be freed up after railway tracks are placed underground. The Railway Bureau plans to add a parking lot nearby, and turn the old tracks into greenways, increasing green spaces in the city. The government also added that the reconstruction plan will still be adjusted after considering suggestions from local residents, since they want everyone to be happy with the new look.
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