First MacArthur Bridge

The First MacArthur Bridge. A name that echoes through the annals of Taipei’s history. This bridge, my friends, is more than just a passage over the Keelung River. It’s a testament to Taipei’s evolution, a symbol of its progress. The First MacArthur Bridge wasn’t always the architectural marvel you see before you today. It replaced its predecessor, a part of the MacArthur Thruway, which was Taiwan’s first controlled-access highway. Imagine, in 1964, this “thruway” as it was called, reduced travel time between Taipei and Keelung from 45 minutes to a mere 25. Can you imagine the impact of such a feat back then? Sadly, the original thruway, despite its innovation, was plagued with design flaws and accidents. It was later incorporated into Freeway No. 1. But the legacy of the MacArthur name lived on, embodied in this magnificent bridge. Today, the First MacArthur Bridge stands as a beacon of modern engineering. This stunning single-rib, double-decker steel arch bridge is the first of its kind in Taiwan. As you stand here, taking in its grandeur, notice the intricate Lohse Type Arch Bridge in the center, flanked by the Vierendeel trusses. This bridge is not just a marvel of engineering, it’s a work of art, especially when illuminated against the night sky.