The new cable bridge, Hemaxi Extra-large Scale Bridge, with the longest span of any such one in China, is shown in an undated photo. [Photo: Information Times]

The first privately invested and constructed expressway, Jiang-Zhu Expressway, in southern Guangdong province opened for traffic on Wednesday, the local Information Times reported.

The 53 kilometre expressway connects the cities of Jiangmen and Zhuhai, cutting the travel distance between the two by half. As the expressway runs crosses many rivers-bridges account for about 22 percent of the total distance. There are a total of 50 bridges on the expressway, the most impressive of which is the Hemaxi Extra-large Bridge , which is a cable-stayed bridge boasting the longest span in China.

Board chairman of the expressway's construction company, Zuo Yiying, said they invested 3 billion yuan or 390 million U.S. dollars into the project, approximately 80 percent of the total cost needed to finish other expressway projects in the province.

Further good news for drivers, not only has the distance between the two cities been cut in half, so too has the toll fee!

A ceremony was held to mark the opening of the Jiang-Zhu Expressway in Guangdong province on Wednesday, May 16 2007. [Photo: Information Times]

Editor: Yan