Cat Bridge to be Closed for Maintenance from May 14th, Alternate Bridge Provided for Access to Cat Village
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New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau Press Release 113.05.13
Cat Bridge to be Closed for Maintenance from May 14th, Alternate Bridge Provided for Access to Cat Village
[New Taipei City] The "Cat Bridge" in Houtong is a vital passage for locals and tourists traveling to and from the Cat Village in the Guangfu neighborhood. In operation for a decade now, the bridge has been affected by the local humid climate, leading to rusting and detachment of some components. In consideration of the safety of residents and visitors, the bridge will be closed for maintenance starting on May 14th, with plans to reopen by the end of October. Pedestrians are advised to use the temporary bridge adjacent to the Cat Bridge during this period.
Adjacent to Houtong Railway Station, Houtong Cat Village had its sole connecting bridge, the Houtong Railway Station Footbridge, deteriorating with rust and wear. In 2013, the New Taipei City Government renovated it into the uniquely styled, the nation's first, "Cat Bridge", spanning 60 meters. The bridge features a "cat head" on the side of the park's vision gallery with two ears, and a "cat tail" on the Houtong Cat Village side. Inside the bridge, there are not only cat footprints and illustrations but also specially designed platforms for cats to pass and jump. Additionally, incorporating local suggestions, the bridge integrates imagery of local coal mines and tunnels, creating a uniquely styled "Cat Bridge", enhancing the tourism appeal of the Houtong area.
Mr. Yang Tsung-Min, Director of the New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau, stated that since its inauguration in 2013, the "Cat Bridge" has been in use for several years. However, due to the local humid climate, some components of the bridge have shown signs of rust and damage. Considering the safety of tourists and maintaining the quality of the tourism environment, the bridge will undergo reinforcement of its structure, replacement of steel beams and painted aluminum panels, rust removal, improvement of interior space lighting, and repair of the cat jumping platform. The updated components of the "Cat Bridge" will be safer, more stable, and have better waterproofing, providing visitors with a more comfortable and friendly walking space. As the repair work for the "Cat Bridge" will be conducted above the Taiwan Railway tracks, to avoid affecting train operations and comply with relevant safety regulations, construction will be limited to four hours each early morning. Prior to the closure of the "Cat Bridge" for maintenance, a temporary bridge has been set up nearby, featuring thoughtful designs such as natural ventilation on both sides, retaining mesh windows for scenic views, non-slip mats on the ground, lighting facilities, and step-free passages for easy access. Signage has also been placed around the temporary bridge to guide pedestrians.
The "Cat Bridge" is expected to reopen for pedestrian traffic by the end of October this year. During the transition period of the bridge closure, local residents and tourists can continue to use the temporary bridge to minimize disruptions. The New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the public during the construction period. For more updates, please stay tuned to the relevant links.
Cat Bridge to be Closed for Maintenance from May 14th, Alternate Bridge Provided for Access to Cat Village
[New Taipei City] The "Cat Bridge" in Houtong is a vital passage for locals and tourists traveling to and from the Cat Village in the Guangfu neighborhood. In operation for a decade now, the bridge has been affected by the local humid climate, leading to rusting and detachment of some components. In consideration of the safety of residents and visitors, the bridge will be closed for maintenance starting on May 14th, with plans to reopen by the end of October. Pedestrians are advised to use the temporary bridge adjacent to the Cat Bridge during this period.
Adjacent to Houtong Railway Station, Houtong Cat Village had its sole connecting bridge, the Houtong Railway Station Footbridge, deteriorating with rust and wear. In 2013, the New Taipei City Government renovated it into the uniquely styled, the nation's first, "Cat Bridge", spanning 60 meters. The bridge features a "cat head" on the side of the park's vision gallery with two ears, and a "cat tail" on the Houtong Cat Village side. Inside the bridge, there are not only cat footprints and illustrations but also specially designed platforms for cats to pass and jump. Additionally, incorporating local suggestions, the bridge integrates imagery of local coal mines and tunnels, creating a uniquely styled "Cat Bridge", enhancing the tourism appeal of the Houtong area.
Mr. Yang Tsung-Min, Director of the New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau, stated that since its inauguration in 2013, the "Cat Bridge" has been in use for several years. However, due to the local humid climate, some components of the bridge have shown signs of rust and damage. Considering the safety of tourists and maintaining the quality of the tourism environment, the bridge will undergo reinforcement of its structure, replacement of steel beams and painted aluminum panels, rust removal, improvement of interior space lighting, and repair of the cat jumping platform. The updated components of the "Cat Bridge" will be safer, more stable, and have better waterproofing, providing visitors with a more comfortable and friendly walking space. As the repair work for the "Cat Bridge" will be conducted above the Taiwan Railway tracks, to avoid affecting train operations and comply with relevant safety regulations, construction will be limited to four hours each early morning. Prior to the closure of the "Cat Bridge" for maintenance, a temporary bridge has been set up nearby, featuring thoughtful designs such as natural ventilation on both sides, retaining mesh windows for scenic views, non-slip mats on the ground, lighting facilities, and step-free passages for easy access. Signage has also been placed around the temporary bridge to guide pedestrians.
The "Cat Bridge" is expected to reopen for pedestrian traffic by the end of October this year. During the transition period of the bridge closure, local residents and tourists can continue to use the temporary bridge to minimize disruptions. The New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the public during the construction period. For more updates, please stay tuned to the relevant links.
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