Chinese press agency, Xinhua, reports that Beijing plans to spend US$25bn on the construction of expressways, rail lines and intelligent transport systems in the next five years. Tunnels will feature prominently in the plans.
Speaking at a briefing on government affairs in mid-January, Zhao Wenzhi, head of the Beijing Municipal Transportation Committee, said Beijing’s investment in infrastructure would make up 60 percent of the city’s total fixed assets for the 2006-2010 period. Zhao said six expressways would begin this year. With the completion and operation of No. 4, No. 5, No. 10 and two subway lines, Beijing’s transit rail will be extended to 270km from the current 115km he said. In addition, the No. 9 subway line and the second phased of the No. 10 subway and Yizhuang subway lines are due to be built within the next five years.
Meanwhile in Qingdao, a port city in China’s Shandong Province, the municipality has been seeking investors to back the construction of two 6,170m long immersed tube tunnels in Jiaozhou Bay.
The tunnels will have six lanes and according to the project’s promoter, Xinshi Industrial Co. Ltd., the project is expected to cost roughly US$400M. With a four year construction period, the investment is said to be recoverable in 11 years.
