New taipei: Taiwan’s Highway Bureau announced its intention to complete work aimed at resolving the wind-related noise emanating from the handrails of the Danjiang Bridge by late April. The bridge, which is set to open in May, has been the subject of complaints from nearby residents who have reported a continuous humming noise when strong northeasterly winds sweep through the area.

According to Focus Taiwan, initial inspections indicated that the noise is generated by the interaction between the wind and the pedestrian handrail structures of the bridge. The bureau explained that the strong seasonal winds appear to pass through or around the handrail components along the pedestrian walkway, causing wind-shear vibrations that result in the low-frequency humming sound.

To address the issue, the bureau has commissioned the Tamkang University Wind Engineering Research Center to perform tests on Thursday to identify suitable solutions. The design team was first asked to inspect the site in late January following the complaints, and a subsequent meeting was held on February 25 with design and construction teams to analyze the noise source.

The proposed solution involves installing U-shaped rubber strips to dampen the vibrations causing the noise. This approach was developed after reviewing similar cases, such as wind-generated noise issues on the Golden Gate Bridge in California.

If the tests confirm the effectiveness of this measure, the bureau plans to commence the improvement work immediately, aiming for completion by late April to minimize the impact on residents. Those living nearby have compared the sound to a low-frequency hum akin to a wind instrument or the whistle of steam from a kettle, with reports indicating the noise has been a persistent issue during periods of strong northeasterly winds.