9 new Huangpu tunnels on way

By Dong Zhen  |   2009-7-7  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

SHANGHAI plans to build at least another nine tunnels across the Huangpu River after the 2010 World Expo to enhance traffic links, especially to downtown areas.

The city engineering administration made the announcement yesterday as it unveiled plans to close Shanghai's oldest river tunnel this weekend for a major facelift.

The pace of tunnel construction will not take a break after Expo.

"The government has decided to construct at least nine new vehicle tunnels across the Huangpu River after Expo to further enhance cross-river traffic, especially in downtown zones," Shang Guoping, an official with the Shanghai Engineering Administration, said yesterday.

All tunnels would be built inside the Outer Ring Road.

While exact locations had not yet been selected by the government, Shang said future tunnels would mostly be built in the northern and southern sections of the city.

"Compared to the central part of the city, the northern and southern areas are still lacking in cross-river passages," Shang said.

He said some of the tunnels may be built on northern Nenjiang Road, Zhoujiazui Road, Jiangpu Road and Yinhang Road, and on Wanping Road, Lujiabang Road and Luoxiu Road in the south.