New Taipei completes Erchong Floodway height increase project

New Taipei has completed a project to raise the left embankment of the Erchong Floodway, increasing flood protection in Wugu to meet a 200-year standard.

Reporters reported that the embankment along a 4-kilometer stretch was raised from 6 meters to 10 meters. Construction began Nov. 15, 2022, and was completed in February 2026.

The city’s Water Resources Department said most areas in Greater Taipei already meet the 200-year flood protection standard, meaning protection against a flood with a 0.5% chance of occurring in any given year. However, the left bank in Wugu had previously provided protection against only a 20-year flood and was designated a secondary floodplain control zone because the embankment was lower.

Reporters reported that the department said the project was commissioned by the Water Resources Agency under the Ministry of Economic Affairs. It was carried out by the New Taipei City government.

After the upgrade, the left bank in Wugu now matches the height of embankments on the right bank in Sanchong and Luzhou, bringing both sides of the floodway to the same protection level.

“The completed project significantly strengthens flood prevention in the Zhouzihyang area of Wugu and provides a more stable foundation for local development,” Water Resources Department Director Sung Te-jen (宋德仁) said. He added that the higher embankment will help reduce flood risk during extreme rainfall events.

As part of the same project, the city also rebuilt the No. 5 cross-dike road. The road is scheduled to open and is expected to improve traffic capacity and driving safety between Wugu and Luzhou.

The department said drivers using Zhongxing Road Section 3 and Shuhong 6th Road should experience clearer and smoother traffic flow after the road opens. During the initial days of operation, traffic officers will be stationed on site from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to guide vehicles and help drivers adjust to the new route.