Olympic expressways will open on nine freeways in Beijing and
five co-host cities starting this month.
Vehicles used for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games will be able to
enter and exit tolls quickly when transporting athletes, officials
and visitors to the different venues.
To ensure the success of the Games, the Ministry of
Communications publicized a plan guaranteeing smooth communications
and transportation on its website recently.
It said nine expressways are involved, including the freeways
between Beijing and Qinhuangdao, Beijing and Tianjin, Qinhuangdao
and Shenyang, and airport expressways in Qingdao, Shenyang,
Shanghai and Beijing.
The five cities, apart from Beijing, are co-hosts of the 2008
Olympic Games.
According to the plan, toll stations on the nine freeways should
open special lanes for Olympic vehicles. Signs will be placed to
direct drivers.
Vehicles with special passes issued by the Olympic authorities
will be allowed to pass through toll stations without paying.
Other vehicles used for the Games do not need to queue at toll
stations if fees are paid in advance.
"The measures are expected to save time for Olympic-related
vehicles and raise transport efficiency," the ministry said.
The "Good Luck Beijing" games, that began on July 1, will be a
test for the expressways.
To ensure all roads are in good condition, the ministry has
asked provincial communication administrations to carry out overall
checks.
Necessary maintenance work should be done before next May. No
maintenance work will be allowed after next May until 15 days after
the Games conclude.
(China Daily July 5, 2007)