Transportation sector growth picks up speed (4)

Passengers prepare to board a train at the Chengdu South Railway Station last month. LIU ZHONGJUN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

The smart expressway is one of several in China that use advanced technology. The 5G network fully covers the route, and the adoption of the Beidou navigation system means a smart monitoring network has been established to reduce accidents. Moreover, safety warning lights have been placed at 30-meter intervals.

"The lights turn on automatically and flash when bad weather causes low visibility, such as in heavy fog, rainfall or snow," said Chen Yang, general manager of China Railway Jingxiong. Moreover, when a vehicle is too close to the car in front, the lights turn red to warn the driver to slow down, he added.

The operating company has cooperated with major navigation service providers to deliver real-time information for drivers, according to Chen.

"They can get up-to-date information when they use their navigation systems. We call it a 'housekeeping service'," he said.

As Zhang Wei lined up at a toll booth to leave Beijing on Dec 31, the PE teacher said the expressway will save time when he visits friends and relatives in Hebei.

Though the high-speed railway is convenient for travel between Beijing and Xiong'an, Zhang prefers to drive.

"I feel safer and more assured driving, especially during the epidemic in the past three years. It is also more convenient to carry luggage, especially large gifts," he said.

The expressway's remaining section — from the South Fifth Ring Road to the Sixth Ring Road in Beijing — is under construction and is expected to open this year.

When that happens, the road will be fully opened to traffic, as its Hebei section became operational in 2021.