Alex Honnold set to free climb Taipei 101 on Saturday: What to know

Taipei, Jan. 23 (CNA) American climber Alex Honnold is set to attempt a free climb of Taipei 101 on Saturday at 9 a.m., a stunt that will briefly turn the area around the landmark tower into a no-go zone for cars, buses, and some pedestrians.

To accommodate the climb and related filming, the Taipei City Department of Transportation said traffic controls will be enforced around the Taipei 101 area. If rain forces Saturday's climb to be called off, the restrictions will be pushed back to Sunday.

Here's what those planning to head to Xinyi District to watch should know:

Road closures and vehicle restrictions

Major traffic controls will be in place on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. around the Taipei 101 area.

Songzhi Road will be fully closed in both directions between Songlian Road and Xinyi Road, Section 5.

Bidirectional traffic controls will also be enforced between Songlian Road and Songshou Road.

On Xinyi Road, Section 5, westbound traffic will be partially restricted, with one lane closed from the Xinyi Square Parking Lot to Songzhi Road, leaving the two inner lanes open.

From Songzhi Road to the Taipei 101 bus stop, outer lanes will be partially blocked, leaving only the inner lanes open to traffic.

Pedestrian restrictions

Pedestrian access will be restricted on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

During this time, the east sidewalk of Songzhi Road, between Songlian Road and Xinyi Road, Section 5, will be closed, though passage through Xinyi Square will remain open.

The west sidewalk leading to the Taipei 101 office building will remain closed. Pedestrians may exit the tower via Shifu Road.

The Xinyi Road sidewalk adjacent to Xinyi Square will also be closed. Pedestrians are advised to cross at the intersection of Xinyi Road and Songren Road to reach the south side of the road.

YouBike station suspensions

The "Xinyi Square (Taipei 101)" YouBike station will suspend operations on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cyclists are advised to return bikes to nearby stations, including Xinyi & Songzhi Intersection (southeast side), Taipei Nanshan Plaza and Taipei Xinyi Sports Center.

Public Transport Diversions

On Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., several bus routes will be diverted during the event, including Route 28 (Outbound), Route 46 (Inbound), Route 66, Route 669, Blue 5, City Minibus 7, Keelung Rd. Metro Bus (Inbound) and the Taipei Sightseeing Bus Red Line.

Parking Closures

The Songzhi Road exit of the Taipei 101 Parking Lot will be suspended, with all vehicles required to exit via Shifu Road.