NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) announced on Thursday (Dec. 12) that the New Taipei MRT Circular Line (新北環狀線) resumed full service at noon after extensive repairs. The line, severely damaged during the April 3 earthquake, underwent significant restoration efforts over the past 253 days.
During an inspection at the Zhonghe (中和) metro station, Mayor Hou revealed that the earthquake displaced nearly nine steel box girders and damaged 139 facilities. The most affected section between Banqiao (板橋) and Zhonghe has now reopened, marking the complete restoration of the Circular Line.
“After the team’s hard work, the construction period of one year and two months has been shortened by half a year,” Hou shared, “After running the tests, we will resume the Circular Line’s service by noon."
Mayor Hou praised the repair team for achieving a 100% success rate in dynamic and static testing, emphasizing the project's significance in Taiwan. He encouraged citizens to enjoy the ride again, noting that the strengthened steel box girders enhance earthquake resilience.
