In Taiwan, environmental issues were always difficult to resolve (especially when elections are involved). On one side are local vested interests protecting their profits; on the other side are environmentalists with a sense of mission (now self-stigmatized environmental groups), or simply media-trend followers.
Take the Tamkang Bridge planned to connect Tamsui and Taipei Port on Taipei’s outskirts. Some believe opening it would solve Tamsui’s traffic problems (alternative solutions exist, like blasting Tamsui). Others worry it would change Tamsui’s sunset view (Tamsui’s sunset has been changing for centuries anyway).
Consider Taiwan’s last undeveloped pristine land at Alopeng as another example. Vested interests argue from locals’ livelihood needs (getting to Taitung city center is far anyway—what treasure needs buying?), while others insist they should preserve Taiwan’s last untouched land (which has already been overdeveloped, hardly missing this one route).
Of course, everyone understands that “land appreciation” never hides shamefully behind cloaks of respectability—it’s a starkly apparent practical need. And “last pristine land” carries such sacred resonance.
But these discussions lack definitive correct answers—only showing who manipulates issues better or whose backing is stronger (underworld, media, academia). Regardless of rhetoric quality or genuine balance-seeking efforts, if each side prioritizes maximum self-interest, why negotiate? There’s no real negotiation space here.
For Route 26, the goal is connecting Xuhai to Anzhuang. However massive construction will change local ecosystems. Not building forces long detours—how long? From Xuhai via Route 199 to Taitung requires 33 kilometers. With Route 26 opened, this reduces to approximately 15 kilometers, a 18-kilometer difference. Since Route 199 is mountain road while flat Provincial Route 26 moves faster—roughly 60 versus 20 minutes—is such time difference significant? Yes, considerably. For limited-time treasure sales, faster is better.
I once smoothly connected Route 199 to Provincial Route 26. I loved this route’s feeling, though later connections confused me. That’s signage design problem—the road itself is fine. For non-heavy (no dump trucks) rural roads, it’s actually quite adequate.
If pressed my opinion on Tamkang Bridge, I’d say build it; for Alopeng, I’d say the same. Provided… Tamkang Bridge is built underwater, and Alopeng section accommodates only one-way traffic toward Taitung, limited to passenger vehicles and bicycles. Good engineering achieves all objectives regardless of cost—impossible in Taiwan! So don’t build it after all.