Hubei to open nine expressways

The Hubei Provincial Communication Department said that the province is planning to open nine expressways - with a total length of 2,208 km - in 2014. In 2013, Hubei completed eight expressway projects, stretching a total length of 327 km, and the total distance covered by expressways in the province now reaches 4,333 km.

The expressways of Shibai (Shiyan-Baihe), Jiujiang No 2 Bridge, Huangxian (Huangshi-Xianning), Xiantong (Xianning-Tongshan) and Yiba (Yichang-Badong) have started operation. In addition, the expressways of Baoyi (Baokang-Yichang) and Yunshi (Yunxian-Shiyan) are under construction.

Hubei is expected to complete several projects this year, including two cross-Yangtze River bridges - the Zhuankou Bridge in Wuhan and Xiangxi Bridge in Yichang - and three expressway projects, including the Guzhu (Gucheng-Zhuxi) and Yichang section of Baoyi expressway.

In addition, Hubei will also focus on the construction of six expressway projects: Enlai (Enshi-Laifeng), Enqian (Enshi-Qianxian), Shifang (Shiyan-Fangxian), Suizhou west section and Xiangyang east section of Mazhu (Macheng-Zhuxi), and Tuanfeng section of Huang’e (Huanggang-Ezhou) - with a total length of 348 km.

Wuhan will also open bus routes for intercity travel which are to link to intercity railways soon. A new customer care hotline for the national transportation service, 12328, will open in Wuhan on Jan 15, and other cities in Hubei will also launch the service by the end of 2014.

Edited by Niva Whyman and Le Qin