A design sketch of the largest internet-powered parking garage, currently under construction in Nantong's urban area. [Photo/WeChat account: chongchuanonline]

One of the big cutting-edge public works projects in Nantong city in East China's Jiangsu province – the Hongxing Road smart parking garage, located in Chongchuan district – kick-started construction on Dec 31.

After completion, the facility will provide 365 motor vehicle parking spots – including 37 charging parking bays – becoming the biggest internet-powered parking garage in the city's urban area. By virtue of artificial intelligence, big data and internet of things technologies, it is projected to greatly enhance the parking efficiency and ease traffic congestion around Hongxing Road.

Covering 5,013 square meters, the program received an investment of 75 million yuan ($11.75 million). Integrating the latest in design concepts for low-carbon buildings, the garage will be assembled with steel structural components.

At the parking facility, storing and access to vehicles will be enabled through internet-powered technologies. After parking the vehicle at its designated location, the owner only needs to click on the operations screen and confirm the information before leaving. Hydraulic lifting and handling systems will transport the car to the corresponding floor and parking space.

The pick-up process is even more convenient. The vehicle owner only need enter the license plate number into the machine and the system will automatically transport the car to the exit. The whole process separates people and vehicles, making things faster and safer.

In addition to parking, the facility will also have an office and shopping complex.