Hsinchuang Line in Taiwan Marks Breakthrough of 10 km TunnelA celebration was held on 19th November, 2005 to mark the breakthrough of a 10 km tunnel on Taipei mass rapid transit system's Hsinchuang line, symbolising that construction work on the new line is half completed. Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou signed his name on the wall of the completed tunnel, running from Cailiao station to Huilong station. Tunnelling began on 22nd December, 2003 when a shield machine was launched. The entire tunnel was completed after 700 working days while the section between Xinzhuang station and Fu Jen University station was finished in October this year.The Hsinchuang (Xinzhuang) line is an extension of the Chungho (Zhonghe) line (Orange Line) through the city, originating from Kuting (Guting) station, heading north and then west intersecting with the Tamshui (Danshui) line (Red Line) at Minchuan (Minquan) West Road station. The line then reaches Daqiao Elementary School station in Taipei County and runs southwest toward Sanchung (Sanchong) and Hsinchuang (Xinzhuang) along Chongxin Road and Zhongzheng Road, serving nine stations (12.4 km). It is being built below narrow roads with congested traffic and many old buildings and through poor geological conditions and so has to drop to depths of over 40 metres. The engineering difficulties encountered during construction make the Xinzhuang line particularly challenging. The extension will be underground for 19.7 km and have 16 stations and a maintenance depot.The Zhongxiao (Zhongxiao) Xinsheng to Huilong section is due to open on 31st December, 2009 while the Zhongxiao Xinsheng to Guting (Kuting) section is scheduled to enter in service on 31st December, 2010. A branch of the Hsinchuang line, the Luchou (Luzhou) branch, will be constructed heading northwest to Luchou serving various schools. The line will run for 6.4 km underground and encompass five stations and a maintenance depot at the terminus. This is due to be completed by 2009. Visit http://english.taipei.gov.tw/dorts/index.jsp 48/05.