Bridge meant to speed commute bogs down with sightseers
Last week marked the opening of the world longest cross-sea bridge in China. The Hangzhou Bay Bridge is supposed to cut travel time between Ningbo and Shanghai from four hours to two and a half.
Instead, drivers are slowing on the bridge to take a look at the scenery. Police have fined over 300 drivers for going too slowly or illegal parking in the emergency lanes. The drivers slow down to enjoy the ocean view. Some stop to take photos.
People eager to see the bridge and views caused a series of accidents and serious traffic problems. The bridge was built with enough capacity to prevent traffic jams. But drivers are enjoying the view and sea breeze on the 36-km structure.
The bridge is planned to have platforms for sightseers, but they won’t be ready for another two years. So much for increasing traffic efficiency. To the tune of $1.7 billion. Maybe traffic will move normally once people get used to the bridge and its — apparently — spectacular vistas.
Image: Newscom
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