1st MacArthur Bridge, Highway bridge in Taipei, Taiwan
The 1st MacArthur Bridge is a highway bridge crossing the Keelung River in central Taipei and connecting several major urban expressways. It features a distinctive steel arch structure that rises about 30 meters high and spans approximately 170 meters across the river.
The bridge opened in May 1964 as part of a major infrastructure project that created Taiwan's first controlled-access highway system. American support for this development marked an important moment in the island's modern transportation evolution.
The bridge was named after General Douglas MacArthur to honor the close ties between Taiwan and the United States during that era. Today it remains a recognizable landmark that shapes the visual character of central Taipei for residents and visitors alike.
Keep in mind that this is a highway bridge designed for vehicle traffic only, with no pedestrian or cycling access. The best views of the structure come from the riverbanks below or from nearby vantage points along other bridges and adjacent roads.
At the time of its completion, the bridge was an engineering innovation as Taiwan's first double-decker steel arch structure of its kind. Engineers selected a specialized arch design that allowed two separate roadways to be supported efficiently above the river.
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