(CCTV, Sept 29, 2006) The Beijing-Chengde expressway openned to traffic on Thursday. It is Beijing's first highway project launched into operation, after the local government introduced new funding channels for expressway construction.

The Beijing-Chengde expressway is an important part of the Guangzhou-Daqing highway, which links together south and north China. It is 132 kilometers long and connects three districts and one county in northern Beijing. The project adopted a brand new funding method that allows enterprises to enter into franchises to construct and manage the freeway. In 2008, it will be linked with another highway currently under construction. Once that's complete, it will only take half-an-hour by car from downtown Beijing to the northern suburban area.

source:CCTV