In the News

Cross-island highway entrance gets a facelift

• Publication Date：03/31/2010
• Source： Liberty Times

The 50th anniversary of the world-renowned Central Cross-Island Highway, a lifeline cutting across Taiwan from west to east through very rugged and unstable terrain, will be celebrated May 9, according to the Taroko National Park Administration.

The most remarkable event will center on restoring the elaborate ceremonial arch located at the entrance to Taroko Gorge, as it is the most historic symbol of the highway and has attracted legions of travelers to have their pictures taken in front of it. The Ministry of the Interior's Construction and Planning Agency has requested related units make sure this important landmark is in tip-top condition for the anniversary celebrations.

The structure is showing some cracks and spots, with tiles falling off in a few places after being exposed to many years of typhoons, earthquakes, fierce winds and relentless sun and rain. It has also been hit by a few trucks that were too tall, damaging some of the lettering as well as parts of the beam.

Park office director Chang Teng-wen said the celebration of a half-century of transit over the highway will feature commemorative concerts, visits, photographs and motion picture footage, as well as scholars and experts who will give lectures about the road's history and geography. Elderly veterans who took part in the original construction of the highway will also be invited to participate, and everyone is welcome to attend to learn a bit more about how this impressive roadway was created.

(This article originally appeared in “The Liberty Times” March 30.)