Hechi-Baise Expressway to open to traffic by year end

The 179.2-km Hechi-Baise Expressway is expected to start service by the end of this year, according to Guangxi Communications Investment Group.

The Hechi-Baise Expressway is a commonweal project celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. It is expected to propel local tourism promotion and boost Hechi's unique tourism brand.

After nearly 200 days' of hard work, the right part of the Xiaojingfa Tunnel broke through on Aug 5. With a length of 665 meters, the tunnel is located in the large karst cave area, which caused many difficulties during construction.

The Hechi-Baise Expressway is near completion with 99 percent of the roadbed and 95 percent of the asphalt bottom layer finished. Other parts of the construction are in full swing.