The Zhengshi Highway was opened to traffic this weekend in the
capital of Henan Province, creating an important new link between
the northern and southern parts of the country.
The 183-km Zhengshi Highway, the longest section in the
province, connects Zhengzhou with the Shirenshan scenic area in
Pingdingshan city.
The opening of the new highway effectively opens the door to
Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province, and Guangzhou, capital of
Guangdong Province.
Henan now has 4,556 km of highways, solidifying its status as a
national leader. The province topped the nation in terms of
highways last year, when it had just 3,439 km.
Governor Li Chengyu said Henan's position in the center of the
country made it a natural transportation hub.
"Having an advanced and convenient highway network will provide
a sound foundation for the fast development of Central China and
boost progress in the West," he said.
Ninety-two percent of Henan's counties have convenient access to
the provincial highway network. It is possible to travel to
Zhengzhou within three hours from any of the 18 cities surrounding
the capital.
Li Qingrui, director of the Henan provincial highway
administration, said the Zhengshi section is a "great energy and
tourism channel".
It passes by several coalmines, and through nine counties and
the cities of Zhengzhou, Xuchang and Pingdingshan.
It also links the capital with Mount Funiu ecological scenic
area.
Work started on the Zhengshi Highway in September 2005. It
passes by the West-to-East natural gas pipeline once, the
South-to-North water pipeline twice and six railways.
"The highway will tap the energy and tourism potential of
central and western China," Li Qingrui said.
The province has been adding highways at a brisk pace in the
past five years, building 1,000 km in 2002, 2,000 km in 2005 and
3,000 km last year.
It expects to have 5,000 km by 2010.
(China Daily December 25, 2007)