Bridge of Taiwan (I)

Human civilizations have usually started around rivers, and bridges have continuously helped civilizations move to new realms. Today, bridges not only serve a transportation function but also spur economic and cultural development. There are different types of bridges for different geographic environments, and often bridges become fixtures in the local landscape and symbols of a locale. To introduce the beauty of Taiwan bridges, Taiwan Post is issuing a set of four stamps featuring bridges of northernTaiwan. The designs of the stamps follow:

1) The Kanjin Bridge, Taoyuan (NT$5.00):

Spanning the Dahan River, around a kilometer upstream of  the Wuling Bridge, this silver gray steel arch bridge has become a new landmark in Dasi, Taoyuan  County. The Kanjin Bridge was completed in August, 2002. It has a total length of over 800 meters and a width of over 20 meters. 

2) The Fusing Bridge, Luofu (NT$5.00):

There are two bridges that connect Luofu village with Siayunping. The lavender Fusing Bridge, completed in 1966, is an old suspension bridge with a total length of some 150 meters and a width of some 4 meters. The retired Fusing Bridge was then turned into a footbridge where pedestrians can take in a panoramic view of the beautiful

surroundings. It is now one of the great scenic overlooks of the North Cross-Island Highway.

3) The MacArthur Second Bridge, Taipei (NT$12.00):

Finished in 1995, this basket handle Nielsen Type steel arch bridge is the first of its kind in Taiwan, measuring 400 meters long and 18.7 meters wide. Its "basket handle" and cables (stretched at 60-degree angle) give it a three-dimensional structural power and beauty. 

4) The Dajhih Bridge, Taipei (NT$15.00):

The Dajhih Bridge is the first cable-stayed bridge with a single pylon in the shape of a fishing rod in the city. In January 2003, the main span was opened to traffic. The bridge has a total length of 820. At night, when its red cables and pylon are illuminated, it sets off the beautiful scenery of neighboring Keelung River Park.

Stap Issue: 2007-04-12