Traffic system development 'important for the recovery of Guangyuan'

Date: 14/3/2012

The Chinese city of Guangyuan believes developing its traffic system will give the area an economic boost.

This is according to Mayor Ma Hua, who explained it wants to become a regional transport hub - linking the Sichuan province to north-west China - by 2014, China Daily reports.

Sichuan was hit by an earthquake in 2008 and since then, rebuilding the traffic system has become a priority, with 26.7 billion yuan (£2.7 billion) committed to the initiative.

Since 2004, investments have been made in air transportation, with 80,000 people using Guangyuan Airport in 2011.

Furthermore, three new highways have been constructed, linking Sichuan to cities in the Shaanxi and Gansu provinces.

"The improved road traffic is a strong impetus for the development of distribution and tourism in Guangyuan and its surrounding areas," Mr Ma stated.

He added traffic development has become a "top priority" since the earthquake, which hit on May 12th 2008.

Posted by Nick Anderson