Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

    The Circular line east section is a major transportation artery which connects the eastern district, southern district, and northern district of Taipei City. The groundbreaking ceremony for Songshan-Xinyi section contract CF760 was held at Xinyi Junior High School in the morning of November 8, with Taipei City Mayor Chiang Wan-an personally presiding over the ceremony.　

    The Circular line east section runs for a total length of 13.25 km, and it is a medium-capacity underground system which includes 10 underground stations and 1 underground depot. The route traverses Zhongshan, Neihu, Songshan, Xinyi, and Wenshan Districts in Taipei City, and in the future, it will provide transfer services with the Wenhu line, the Songshan-Xindian line, the Bannan line, and the Tamsui-Xinyi line along with Circular line Phase I and north & south section. Once the east section is operational, the travel time from Xiangshan Station to Taipei Zoo Station will be reduced from 26 minutes to 4 minutes. This will dramatically reduce travel times and make axial connections on the eastern side of Taipei City much more convenient. 

    DORTS Second District Project Office (2nd DPO), which is responsible for the construction of this section, explained that section contract CF760 is a joint undertaking between Fu Tsu Construction Co., Ltd. and Obayashi Corporation (Japan). The scope of construction runs from the south side of east section Station Y37 (not included) along Songshan Rd. and Songde Rd. to Lane 168 Songde Rd. and extends southward along Songren Rd. It then crosses Section 5 Xinyi Rd. before reaching Wuxing Street. With a total length of 2.7km, it includes a pocket track, two sections of shield tunnel, water, electricity, and environmental control-related system facilities, and two underground stations. Of these two stations, Station Y38 will offer transfer connections with the Tamsui-Xinyi line at Xiangshan Station, and Station Y39 will be located at the intersection of Songren Road and Wuxing Street.

    DORTS stated that the shield tunnel construction for section contract CF760 will pass beneath the Bannan line and the Tamsui-Xinyi line which are currently in operation. Furthermore, it will employ high-precision shield tunneling technology combined with real-time monitoring systems. Digital engineering management (BIM) and smart monitoring systems will be simultaneously installed in order to improve construction efficiency, reduce risks, and strengthen quality control.

    In his speech, Mayor Chiang stated that the east section is progressing steadily. In the future, following the completion of construction, it will connect the following three industrial hubs: Neihu Technology Park, Xinyi Planning District, and Nangang Software Park, forming an urban corridor with transportation, industrial development and residential convenience functionality.  This will not only improve transportation efficiency but also promote urban renewal and commercial development while injecting new vitality and opportunities into Taipei. 

    Mayor Chiang also stated because this section contract is located in the densely-populated city center with busy roads, the construction presents significant challenges. In order to reduce impacts on traffic and residents' daily lives in the areas surrounding the construction, the construction team will strive for precision at every step from traffic maintenance, site improvement, and waterproofing design to construction safety. In order to ensure the construction quality and structural safety, the team will spare no effort in making sure that the project is completed on schedule and at high quality standards in order to provide the public with safe and comfortable transportation services. Mayor Chiang also expressed his hope that city residents continue to support MRT construction. 

    DORTS pointed out that for this project a great deal of importance is being placed on environmental protection and communication with the community along with the use of low-noise and low-vibration construction methods. In addition, a comprehensive traffic management plan and public reporting mechanism have been established to ensure safety and quality throughout the construction process while also avoiding impacting the residents' daily lives.  

    DORTS emphasized that the east section represents the last mile in making the entire Circular line operational. Following the completion of construction, it will dramatically reduce commuting times, enhance transportation efficiency and service quality, and effectively share the traffic load of the existing MRT lines while alleviating traffic congestion. 

    Legislative Yuan members, city councilors, and distinguished VIP guests from all walks of life were invited to the ceremony to pray together for the smooth completion of the construction project. In addition, the ceremony featured performances by Xinyi Junior High School club to showcase the achievements and vision of the city government in promoting MRT construction through a warm and grandiose atmosphere and to rally local support and public confidence.