Highway Damage and Closure
The highway route runs through exceedingly rugged and unstable terrain. Heavy rain from typhoons often dislodge soil and rocks onto the highway making sections of it impassable. As well, the area is prone to seismic activity which can have disastrous effects on the highway. On September 21, 1999 the Jiji earthquake caused massive damage to the highway and cut the highway in multiple places between Dongshih and Lishan.
Following the unprecedented damage to the highway in 1999 there was strong debate on the feasibility and desirability of maintaining and repairing the highway. However repair work proceeded and after extensive and costly work, earthquake damaged sections of the highway were due to be re-opened in 2004. However Typhoon Mindulle struck with torrential rains, again causing extensive damage to the highway, forcing the affected portions to be closed indefinitely.
The highway is still closed between Lishan and Guguan and not expected to even be repaired, but the New Central Cross-Island Highway now provides an alternative route across the Island.
Read more about this topic: Central Cross-Island Highway
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