Project Background

The Chiayi Railway Elevated Project (TREP) is designed to resolve the long-standing issue of the Taiwan Railway Administration's (TRA) Trunk Line segment isolating the urban areas of Chiayi, which has resulted in unbalanced land use and severe traffic bottlenecks. The project aims to integrate the space along the railway corridor and reshape the urban fabric. The Executive Yuan approved the comprehensive planning on May 24, 2023. This project will eliminate the risk of level crossing accidents, improve the urban environment and landscape along the route, and promote integrated regional development.

Project Details

• Project Timeline: The comprehensive planning was approved by the Executive Yuan on May 24, 2023. The entire project is projected to be completed by 2033.
• Project Scope: Approximately 8.92 kilometers in length, extending from the south of Dalin Station in Chiayi County (K284+800) to the north end of Jiabei Elevated Station in Chiayi City (K293+720).
• Engineering Content: In line with the railway elevation policy, the project includes the reconstruction of Minxiong Station as an elevated station (featuring 2 island platforms and 4 tracks) and civil works for the entire line. During construction, a temporary track of about 5.5 kilometers will be laid on the east side of the route to maintain operations. Upon completion, 5 level crossings, 3 overpasses, and 1underpass along the line will be eliminated.
• Project Budget: Approximately NT$ 17.397 billion.
• Counties/Cities Involved: Chiayi County, Chiayi City.

Expected Benefits

• Improved Traffic Safety: The full elevation of the line will completely eliminate level crossings, eliminating queueingand collisonrisks andproviding a safer transportation environment.
• Integrated Urban Fabric: Removing the physical barrier of the railway in the downtown area will open up lateral roads around the stations and promote balanced development on both sides of the railway.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: The removal of cluttered railway facilities will free up the corridor space, which can be transformed into green areas or public spaces, improving the city's appearance and the quality of life for residents along the route.

Engineering Highlights

This project is not merely a simple railway elevation; it is a complex engineering endeavor that crosses a major seismic fault, ensuring both operational safety and urban regeneration. Through high-standard seismic design and human-centric architectural planning, we are committed to building a safe, sustainable "Green Corridor."

Resilient and Safe Seismic Structure

Facing the challenges of the Meishan Fault (a seismically sensitive area), we adopt the highest standards ofdisaster prevention design to ensure structural resilience:

• Tailored Seismic Strategy: Stations and equipment rooms feature low-rise designs (2 to 3 stories) and adopt a "station-bridge separation" design, significantly reducing the operational risk during an earthquake.
• Advanced Construction Methods and Foundations: The elevated bridge employs a full-span precast segment erection method to ensure consistent quality; piles are deeply embedded into the bearing stratum to ensure sufficient support.
• Multiple Anti-Fall Mechanisms: Installation of anti-fall tie rods, seismic buffers and adequate beam end clearance to prevent bridge collapse during a strong earthquake.
• Rapid Recovery Design: Near the fault zone, "ballasted tracks" are used. Should ground displacement occur, the track alignment can be rapidly adjusted, facilitating post-disaster repair and restoration.

Non-Disruptive Operational Construction Techniques

Conducting construction in a dense urban area, we adhere to the principle of balancing "maintaining operation" and "construction safety":

• Temporary Track Installation: Planning for two segments of temporary track to maintain normal TRA operations while minimizing the scope of land acquisition.
• Precision Monitoring System: 24/7 monitoring of ground and track settlement ensures the subgrade stability and save train operation.
• Seamless System Cutover: Strict control over the cutover of electromechanical systems (signals, overhead lines, etc.) to ensure the protective function of level crossings is constantly maintained.

Green Corridor to Integrate the City

The removal of the railway barrier will release urban space, allowing Minxiong to showcase a brand new look:

• Elimination of Traffic Bottlenecks: Removal of 5 level crossings and 3 overpasses (Minxiong, Wenlong, Touqiao) along the route, thoroughly alleviating traffic congestion and accident risks.
• Activation of Space Under the Bridge: The freed-up corridor space beneath the elevated bridge will be transformed into an "Urban Green Corridor,"featuring planned bicycle paths and recreational facilities.
• Diverse Commercial Uses: In accordance with multi-purpose usage regulations, functions such as retail, dining, or parking lots will be introduced to enhance land value and drive local development.

Sustainable Station Integrated with the Landscape

The new Minxiong Station will become a new local landmark, blending natural imagery with smart technology:

• Gentle Slope Imagery Design: The exterior design echoes the undulating "gentle slope" landscape surrounding Minxiong, utilizing wood and metallic textures to express a simple, modern aesthetic.
• Smart and Green Building: Incorporation of solar photovoltaic systems and natural ventilation designs to reduce reliance on air conditioning; combined with a smart monitoring system for energy management to achieve net-zero carbon emissions goals.
• All-Ages Friendly Space: Implementation of universal design principles, creating gender-friendly restrooms, comfortable nursing rooms, and barrier-free, separated pedestrian and vehicular routes.