Reconstruction of a direct route leading to the epicenter in Wenchuan could take a long time. That's according to Li Shuming, the Deputy Director of Sichuan's Transport Bureau. Our reporter Han Bin has had to be creative to travel through the disaster-stricken areas. And he tells us just how much of a challenge rebuilding the damaged roads is going to be.
Reconstruction of a direct route leading to the epicenter in Wenchuan could take a long time.
This is the newly-opened road to the town of Yingxiu -- literally a lifeline into the worst-hit area of Wenchuan county. More than a week after last Monday's earthquake, road conditions here are still unstable. And the tremor damaged almost all of the local bridges.
Locals are using boats to cross the river, because the roads that survived are mostly blocked by land- and mudslides.
Qiao Han, Sichuan Armed Policeman said "We cross the river 8 times a day, and there are around 100 boats."
But even travelling by boat is not a smooth journey, with engines often stopped by floating debris. Li Shuming shows us how much damage the earthquake inflicted.
Li Shuming, Deputy Director of Sichuan Provincial Transportation Bureau said "We need to monitor and protect the newly-opened routes. Otherwise, there will be problems, and the roads will be blocked again."
Li Shuming says that about 30 to 40 percent of Sichuan's roads have been destroyed. The town of Yingxiu is a key hub for all seven routes heading towards Wenchuan. So far, three have been reopened.
This bridge was recently built and was set to open in October. But the earthquake has changed all that. Engineers will need to check and decide whether it can be rebuilt.
Despite the temporary recovery of access to the devastated areas, road reconstruction has just begun. It will be a long and arduous task.
(CCTV May 22, 2008)