By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — Kaohsiung’s rebuilt Jiuru Bridge (九如橋) is still scheduled to open July 31, after the city repainted controversial red railings and began adding protective netting along the sidewalks.
The bridge, which crosses the Love River and links eastern Sanmin District (三民) with western Gushan District (鼓山), has been under reconstruction for more than two years.
The Liberty Times reports that the project replaced a 624-meter overpass with a shorter bridge about 70 meters long and 30 meters wide, reconnecting traffic routes between the Jhongdu (中都) area of Sanmin and Neiwei (內惟) in Gushan. The project cost more than NT$500 million.
The bridge drew criticism in recent days after residents said the red railings along the bridge deck resembled Japanese torii gates. Others raised safety concerns, saying the gaps between the railings appeared too wide.
The city’s New Construction Office said the open railing design was chosen to preserve views of the Love River, but contractors have since repainted the railings white and started installing protective netting.
The office said the project is in its final stage and traffic signals are undergoing final testing. The bridge remains set to open July 31, though a planned opening ceremony has been canceled.
The new bridge includes two lanes in each direction on the main roadway, as well as side access lanes, bus bays, and dedicated left- and right-turn areas near the Jiuru 4th Road (九如四路) approach in Neiwei.
The Transportation Bureau said the road design is intended to separate traffic flows and reduce conflicts. Bus bays will allow buses to pull out of main traffic lanes, while turn areas will give vehicles more room to slow down or wait before turning.
Gushan’s Housheng Borough (厚生里) chief Ou Ruei-cing (歐瑞清) said the new side lanes could confuse scooter riders, who might mistake them for scooter-only lanes and avoid using the main bridge lanes.
Ou said the city should provide clearer signs before the bridge opens, while any remaining design or safety issues can be addressed after traffic resumes.
