By KHT Staff. AI image based on reference picture.
KAOHSIUNG — A major sidewalk improvement project has begun on Jhongshan 1st Road (中山一路) in front of Kaohsiung Station (高雄車站), with the city planning to widen sidewalks to 11.5 meters along a 1.1-kilometer stretch.
The NT$177 million project will add dedicated bicycle lanes, more greenery, and improved shade, with completion expected by the middle of next year, according to the city’s Public Works Bureau.
Sidewalk widths along the road currently vary sharply. The section from Jianguo Road (建國路) to Cisian Road (七賢路) is about 5 to 8.4 meters wide, while the section from Cisian Road to Minsheng Road (民生路) is about 11.5 meters wide.
Officials said the existing pavement in several areas is aging and damaged, while some planting areas are too small and have caused root problems.
The project is divided into two sections, using Liouhe Road (六合路) as the boundary. The Jianguo-to-Liouhe section covers 515 meters, while the Liouhe-to-Minsheng section covers 585 meters. Construction fencing has already been installed along the Jianguo-to-Liouhe section, while materials are being prepared for the second section.
Lin Chih-tung (林志東), head of the city’s Road Maintenance Office, said the project will widen the sidewalks to a consistent 11.5 meters and expand key street corners to reduce blind spots and improve pedestrian safety.
Guardrails will also be installed at corners to better separate pedestrians and vehicles, while the project will include accessible facilities and dedicated bicycle lanes, Lin said.
Kaohsiung City Councilor Chang Po-yang (張博洋) said that once the road environment in front of the station is improved, the city should focus on bringing business activity back to the area.
Chang said the city should further revitalize the station district and connect street-level businesses with the underground shopping area under a “Kaohsiung Station” brand to attract more investment.
IMPORTANT INFO BELOW
Separately, work on the southern section of Provincial Highway 17 (台17線) will affect traffic near Jhongjheng Road (中正路), Bisheng Road (必勝路), and Zuoying Avenue (左營大路) in Zuoying District (左營區).
Starting June 1, turning lanes on Zuoying Avenue will reopen first, while some southbound lanes on Jhongjheng Road will operate with separated northbound and southbound traffic flows. The work is expected to be completed by the end of October.
