Construction of a new expressway extension in Guangdong Province linking Zhongshan with neighboring Shunde District in Foshan is progressing steadily, with 70 percent of the project now complete.
The northern extension of the Zhongshan Eastern Outer Ring Expressway runs for 5.338 kilometers from Huangpu Town in northern Zhongshan to Ronggui Subdistrict in Shunde. Once completed, it is expected to cut travel time between the two areas from 50 minutes to about 22 minutes.
The project is being built entirely on elevated structures and will have eight lanes, four in each direction, with a design speed of 100 kilometers per hour.
Design sketch of the northern extension of the Zhongshan Eastern Outer Ring Expressway
Key bridge projects reach major milestones
Construction is progressing on schedule, with several key structures completed.
The central span of the main bridge over the Meijiao River has been closed, marking a major step in the construction of the bridge's most technically demanding section.
Closure of the main span of the bridge over the Guizhou Waterway is scheduled for October.
The expressway extension will connect the Guangzhou-Zhuhai West Expressway in Ronggui, Shunde, with the Guangzhou-Zhongshan-Jiangmen Expressway in Huangpu, Zhongshan.
Construction site of the northern extension of the Zhongshan Eastern Outer Ring Expressway
Strengthening connectivity across the Greater Bay Area
The new expressway is expected to strengthen links between manufacturing hubs in northern Zhongshan and Shunde.
The improved connectivity will facilitate the movement of goods between the two manufacturing hubs, linking household appliance manufacturers in Shunde with mold and hardware suppliers in northern Zhongshan.
Overall layout of the northern extension of the Zhongshan Eastern Outer Ring Expressway
The project will also connect the Guangzhou-Zhuhai West Expressway and Guangzhou-Zhongshan-Jiangmen Expressway to other major routes, including the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, Nansha-Zhongshan Expressway and Zhongshan-Kaiping Expressway, further integrating the regional road network.
For residents and visitors, the shorter travel time will make trips in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) more convenient for business, dining and leisure.
Author | Liu Xiaodi
Photos | Zhongshan Fabu
