A transport network is to come into form in east Guangzhou by 2010 when the 16th Asian Games were held in the city, said officials from the Guangzhou Municipality Construction Commission in a reply to proposals on the sports facilities in east Guangzhou by representatives of the Guangzhou People's Congress. So far, nine expressways and highways, sixteen city streets and three rails have been under construction or are to be built. Metro Line 5 is scheduled to begin service by the end of 2009. As a result, the transport facilities in east Guangzhou would be greatly improved.

Officials introduced that the Guangyuandong highway, the Guangzhou-Shenzhen expressway, the Guangzhou-Huizhou expressway, the first phase of Huangpu Avenue, and the first phase of Zencheng-Dongguan-Shenzhen expressway have been completed. In addition, three other expressways and highways are already under construction. Six other projects are to be started soon.

As for the city streets, Bicun overfly has been upgraded. Xieshan Xi Lu and the extension part of Guangshan Lu (phase two) have been constructed.

Currently, the eight projects under construction include: the branch of Huangpu Avenue which was to be finished by the Spring Festival of 2009; the second phase of Hulin Lu the section of which in Huangpu District had been put into use at the end of last year and the section in Tianhe District is to be finished by the end of this year; Yunxi Lu which was scheduled to be completed by the first half of 2009; the extension of Zhuji Lu scheduled to be completed by the end of this year; the extension of Fengle Bei Lu which would be completed not long in the future; the third phase of Hulin Lu (Fengle Lu - Development District)with RMB250 million invested in it, which was to be built in December; Daguan Lu and Chebi Lu which were to be upgraded by the end of this year and the extension of Chebi Lu which is to be constructed soon.

According to the reply, five trunk roads running from east to west would soon be built or improved to strengthen the connections between east Guangzhou and the urban areas, including the extension of Huanan Lu, Guangshan Lu (the city center - Zencheng), Huanyun Lu - Yongjiu Avenue, Zhongshan Avenue - Hulin Lu, Huangpu Avenue (Huangpu Dong Lu) and the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway along the Pearl River.

Besides, roads in or around east Guangzhou, including Zencheng-Conghua Expressway, North Third Ring, South Second Ring, Hulin Lu, Zhuji Lu, Fengle Lu and Shihua Lu, are to be built for communications with the surrounding areas.

As for public transport, a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) shall be on trial on Zhongshan Avenue. Meanwhile, a public transport service system made up of buses, minibuses and taxies will be developed.

Editor: Yan