Work begins on new routes through Banzhang Mt

Roadways approaching Banzhang Mt will take the shape of two pairs of chopsticks ready to grasp traffic by the year 2020 when work, which commenced on March 22 to eliminate gridlocks, is completed.

The addition of two tunnels for motorized traffic will bring to eight the number of motor lanes between Gongbei and Ningxi -- four in each direction. The passages will be 1.2 km (3/4 mile) long. The roadways will allow a speed of 60 kmph (37 mph).

Tongxin Park on the Gongbei side has been designated as a construction base and debris storage area. The site is being leveled, but will be restored later to its original form.

The work zone spans the mountain from North Yingbin and West Renmin roads to South Yingbin Road and Jiuzhou Avenue.

Rendering of Banzhang Mt Tunnels [Photo courtesy Zhuhai Daily] 

In addition, two link roads, 305 m (333.5 yd) long and 8 m (8.74 yd) wide, will be built, and a 1.1-km (3/4-mile) city street will be upgraded.

To the west, like a closed pair of chopsticks, is being constructed a smaller two-way slow-traffic passage, wide enough for cyclists and pedestrians going in both directions. This is located near Jinxiu Ningxi Community in New Xiangzhou and Lanpu in Gongbei. This first-of-its-kind tunnel in Zhuhai is exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians.

The Zhuhai Highway Bureau, which is overseeing the project, says that the undertaking will not interfere with current traffic.

Costing around 240 million yuan ($37.9 million), the entire project is being undertaken by Zhuhai Urban Construction Real Estate Development Co.

Once opened to traffic, travel between New Xiangzhou and Gongbei area will be smooth and easy, and the West Wing will be more connected to downtown areas, said a project head.