Cars passing the second airport expressway

[Photo source: CRIENGLISH.com]

The second expressway to Beijing Capital International Airport has been opened to traffic on June 21 to ease the mounting traffic pressure on the current routes.

The road starts from the Pingfang Cloverleaf Junction on the east 5th Ring Road and directly leads to the Terminal 3. People living nearby will get to the airport in 20 minutes.

Zhou Zhengyu is deputy director of Beijing Municipal Committee of Communications.

He says the second airport highway helps to ensure smooth transportation during the Olympic Games.

"There will be six highways leading to the airport, thus forming a complete network on the road. They will provide direct services for the new Terminal 3 as well as for the upcoming Olympics. I am sure the transportation pressure near the airport will be relieved at least in the next few years."

The official explains that besides the second airport expressway, the airport south line which leads to the airport has also been put into use. Thus together with the original airport expressway, airport north line, Beijing-Chengde expressway and the 6th Ring Road, there will be six highways leading to the airport.

Tian Sheng is a taxi driver. He says he is happy to see the opening of the second expressway, because he often drives to the airport.

"I often encounter traffic jams on the original airport expressway, which wastes lots of time. Because the second expressway is broader and there are more ways leading to the airport, I think it will become more convenient. I would rather take the new way."