A four-lane tunnel under the scenic West Lake in the capital of east China's Zhejiang Province opened Wednesday afternoon with the expectations of easing traffic jams, which have plagued the lake area in recent years. 

The tunnel, with a design similar to a "Y", has an runs for 750 meters below the water. The lengths of the west and east sides of the tunnel are 1,265 and 1,233 meters respectively.

The tunnel is only open to motor vehicles under three meters high. Pedestrians, motorcycles and vehicles over three meters are not allowed to enter.

The tunnel has a speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour and it is forbidden to drive slow enough to block traffic.

Chen Shu, vice-secretary general of Hangzhou City government, said the architects had done their utmost to make the tunnel blend with the picturesque lake area.

Designers said the tunnel would not affect the natural beauty of the lake area.

The West Lake is one of the country's most famous scenic spots and is known for its elegant landscape.

The local government has kicked off a series of projects to dredge and protect the lake.

(Xinhua News Agency October 16, 2003)