Jiaozheng expressway, which links this capital of Henan Province with the city of Jiaozuo in the most populous region in central China, was opened to traffic recently.

The 55.8-kilometer expressway cost 1.216 billion yuan (US$146.5 million), all raised by the local government. The road will be a key route for coal transportation from Henan's neighboring province of Shanxi, one of China's leading coal producers, to other parts of the country.

Jiaozheng expressway shortens the trip between the two provinces to one hour's drive from the previous two hours.

Henan Province is considered a key traffic hub that is linked to many other regions throughout the country.

It is expected that the total road length in the province will reach over 1,000 kilometers with several other key expressways opening to traffic by the end of this year.

(Xinhua 07/25/2001)