Zhejiang's measures make the network work

The development of Zhejiang province's rural road network has delivered numerous benefits, according to a recently-released report by the Ministry of Transport.

An investment of 103 billion yuan ($15.44 billion) was injected into the construction and maintenance of the province's countryside roads during the 12th Five-Year Plan period (2011-15), doubling the previous five years' investment.

The province has improved its rural road management mechanisms and organizations, and every township in Zhejiang has established rural road management centers. In total, the centers have 4,400 management staff members and 17,000 maintenance employees.

Zhejiang added security and protection facilities along its rural road network and carried out repair and maintenance work on around 1,200 dangerous bridges during the 12th Five-Year Plan period. The number of road accidents and deaths fell, compared to previous years, during the period.

The Zhejiang transportation authority has set out a number of sample plans for developing and improving countryside roads. Anji county is a model for building beautiful roads.

The department also jointly formulated major policies with other related authorities including the provincial development and reform commission. Among the policies was a rural road development plan for the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20) and a rural road construction plan.

Some places, including the cities of Huzhou, where Anji is located, have perfected a system of rural road regulations, which provide important guarantees for both the quality and sustainable development of such roads.

Zhejiang introduced many innovative ideas about rural road development and other regions across the country can undoubtedly learn from its experiences. Anji promoted the "road culture" brand and set up a road culture exhibition pavilion as well as a bridge culture center.

The province also set up a fund guarantee mechanism for rural road maintenance, involving funds from both provincial and local governments, as well as capital from other sources. County-level governments have increased their road maintenance expenditure, accounting for more than 70 percent of total maintenance funds.

songmengxing@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 10/25/2016 page11)