Taiwan’s new landmark, the Tamsui River Bridge, has been hailed as the world’s longest-spanning “single-tower asymmetric cable-stayed bridge.” President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen, attended the completion ceremony of the Tamsui River Bridge today (16th), praising it not only as an engineering masterpiece but also as a globally significant infrastructure project that brings honor to Taiwan.
The Tamsui River Bridge is Taiwan’s first bridge design selected through an international design competition. Renowned female architect Dame Zaha Hadid, the first recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, incorporated an innovative single-tower asymmetric cable-stayed design for the bridge. With the main span stretching 920 meters, a tower height of 211 meters, and a main span length of 450 meters, it stands as the world’s longest single-tower asymmetric cable-stayed bridge. Dame Zaha Hadid passed away in 2016, making this project her legacy.
President Tsai Ing-wen expressed his delight at participating in the “Tamsui River Bridge completion ceremony,” emphasizing the bridge’s importance as a major national infrastructure project. He extended blessings for a smooth and auspicious ceremony today and anticipated that once the bridge opens to traffic next year, it will significantly enhance transportation connectivity and economic prosperity. The President also thanked the brave efforts of the industrial engineering company responsible for the completion of this challenging task.
Tsai mentioned that the Tamsui River Bridge plays a crucial role in alleviating traffic congestion, estimating that it will divert 30% of the traffic load from the Guandu Bridge and relieve 17% of the traffic burden on the Taipei-Ilan Expressway. Furthermore, the bridge will provide enhanced convenience for travel between Tamsui and Bali, improving transportation access from Tamsui to Linkou or the Taipei city center. Additionally, the bridge will connect to the West Coast Expressway, facilitating easier access for passengers traveling to Taoyuan Airport, highlighting its local and international transportation significance.
The President emphasized that the Tamsui River Bridge is not just a transportation infrastructure project but also an engineering masterpiece. Designed by the late Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate Dame Zaha Hadid, known as the “Queen of Curves,” the bridge draws inspiration from the movements of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre performers in Taiwan. Whether during sunrise or sunset, the Tamsui River Bridge’s graceful dance over the Tamsui River is a captivating and beautiful piece of art.
He noted that the bridge is recognized as a globally significant infrastructure project, being the world’s longest-spanning “single-tower asymmetric cable-stayed bridge.” It was also selected as one of the 11 most important global architectural achievements by CNN in 2025, bringing pride to Taiwan.
“The Tamsui River Bridge epitomizes Taiwan’s resilience and hardworking spirit,” Tsai remarked. The bridge’s asymmetric cable-stayed steel cables originated from Austria and, due to geopolitical changes during construction, had to be transported to Taiwan via the Cape of Good Hope in Africa.
Moreover, Tsai mentioned that the 3D curved surface design of the bridge tower faced challenges, leading to seven failed bidding attempts. Eventually, the bridge tower’s template was produced using materials from Germany and managed by Japanese technicians. The master of this Japanese technician had previously overseen Taiwan’s first cable-stayed bridge, the Gaoping River Bridge, once the longest cable-stayed bridge in Asia, which will now be replaced by the Tamsui River Bridge.
President Tsai expressed gratitude to former Premier Su Tseng-chang, Vice Premier Chen Chien-jen, and Director-General Cho Jung-tai for coordinating across ministries and providing a comprehensive solution. The transportation ministry, led by former Minister Wang Kwo-tsai, Lin Chia-lung, and current Minister Chen Shih-kai, demonstrated seamless teamwork. He also thanked local legislators for their concern about project progress and the strong support from the New Taipei City government, emphasizing collaborative efforts with the Executive Yuan team.
He mentioned that Taipei 101 is a landmark in Taiwan, and the cleanliness, comfort, and convenience of the Taiwan High-Speed Rail have left a lasting impression on many international visitors. The Tamsui River Bridge is poised to become another iconic landmark for Taiwan on the global stage, with hopes that its beauty will showcase Taiwan’s national vision. As a native of New Taipei City and someone who approved the Tamsui River Bridge project during his tenure as Premier, Tsai eagerly anticipates attending the completion and opening ceremony next year.
“Central government policies should not distinguish between cities or political parties but should provide necessary support based on local development and national infrastructure needs,” he emphasized. In recent years, the central government has supported three major development projects in Tamsui, including the Tamsui River Bridge, Tamsui-Beitou Road, and the Tamsui Light Rail, with a total budget of nearly NT$30 billion (approximately USD 10.1 billion). After the completion of the Tamsui River Bridge, the central government will continue its consistent support for local infrastructure projects.
Tsai stated that in the past, with more central government funding available, more projects could be undertaken. However, following amendments to the Budget Act, the central government may not always have sufficient capability to support local governments. As local finances improve, they must bear more responsibility. Recognizing issues with the budget allocation law, he hopes that the government can simultaneously maintain the central government’s ability to care for local needs while ensuring balanced development across regions, fostering long-term stability and prosperity for Taiwan.
Subsequently, President Tsai, along with Secretary-General of the Presidential Office Pan Meng-an, Executive Yuan’s Political Deputy Minister and Chairman of the Public Construction Commission Chen Chin-ta, and Minister of Transportation Chen Shih-kai, participated in the ceremony to mark the closing of the bridge, witnessing the lifting of the steel beams to complete the Tamsui River Bridge.