Underpasses to get tanks in a bid to prevent flooding

BEIJING - Water storage tanks will be built along some underpasses in the capital to collect rain in an attempt to prevent them from being flooded by thunderstorms, the municipal urban planning authority said.

The Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning has released its plan for the redevelopment of underpasses, but did not provide a detailed timetable.

Some underpasses have lower areas where they go under other roads, making them vulnerable when large rainstorms lash the city. Rainwater accumulated in these lower areas, especially in underpasses on major roads, could trigger severe traffic jams. For example, a large rainstorm on June 23 increased congestion in the downtown area by hours.