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 The
entire Fourth Ring Road in Beijing opened to traffic on Saturday
after three years of construction.
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The 65.3-kilometre road, the capital's longest transportation artery,
is expected to alleviate the capital's traffic congestion and help
Beijing in its bid for the 2008 Olympics. The road, which connects
almost all the proposed Olympic sites, is dubbed "Olympic Avenue."
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"The construction of the Fourth Ring Road is an important part
of the Olympic bid. Its opening to traffic shows Beijing's ability
to fulfil its promises," said Wang Guangtao, vice-mayor of
the municipal government, at the opening ceremony held on Saturday.
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The road, connecting the Asian Games Village, Zhongguancun, Fengtai
Hi-Tech Zone and Beijing Economic Development Area, is also expected
to help boost the municipal economy.
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It is estimated that the expressway will save a total of 45.1 billion
yuan (US$5.5 billion) by reducing traffic congestion and related
costs.
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Along most part of eight-lane expressway are 100-metre green belts,
which cover an area of 163 hectares, 10 times the area of the Summer
Palace. The road is designed for speeds of 80 to 100 kilometres
per hour.
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The expressway cost 7.3 billion yuan (US$881 million), about 5 billion
(US$600 million) of which was bank loans.
(BOBICO 06/11/2001)
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