Abstract:

Due to limitations in difficult geography and geological conditions, existent main channel toward north in eastern Taiwan, Highway No. 9, in general has many steep slopes and sharp curve. Road serviceability and capability are both low herein and the traffic is often interrupted by largescale landslides once the typhoon or heavy rain comes. In order to further improve conditions stated above and then provide a safe way to residence in eastern Taiwan home, Directorate General of Highways started the Suhua Highway improvement project. The whole route length is 38.8 km and among them, eight tunnels in total with 24.3 km in length will be constructed in metamorphic rock. Special attentions have been paid for the decision of details of the tunnel design and construction and potential risks caused by tunnel construction have been significantly minimized. This article will focus on construction processes and management in Guanin and Gufong tunnels, continuing 12.6 km in length, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), tunnel portal traffic sign, tunnel high risk administration, geological exploring, underground water treatment and related monitoring.

Key words: Suhua highway improvement project, metamorphic rocks, long tunnels