Shanghai–Ningbo Expressway
The Shanghai–Ningbo Expressway is an expressway connecting the cities of Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Ningbo in the Chinese province of Zhejiang. It stretches from the S5 G110 in Shanghai to the G15 near Ningbo. The entire expressway is over 199 kilometers (124 miles) in length and features 10 service areas, 6 of which are open for public use.
The expressway consists of three stages. The first, from Shanghai to Jiaxing, is 102 kilometers (64 miles). The second, from Jiaxing to Taizhou, is 64 kilometers (40 miles). The third and last, from Taizhou to Ningbo, is 33 kilometers (21 miles).
At the beginning of the expressway, the G50 highway is connected in Shanghai, making access to the expressway convenient. At both the Jiaxing and Taizhou junctions, access to the G25 highway is available.
The expressway facilitates economic development on both the Shanghai and Ningbo sides. It shortens the distance between the two cities to quality just over two and half hours travel time, as opposed to the almost four hours by public transportation. This has made more efficient cargo transportation, resulting in the significant economic growth of the cities and the region.
On the expressway, travelers can find restaurants, convenience stores, and rest areas for refueling and vehicle repair. The service areas also provide other services such as medical facilities.
The expressway is open 24 hours a day and tolls are applicable for vehicles with licenses from other provinces. However, vehicles with Zhejiang licenses are exempt from paying tolls. The expressway is widely regarded as the most commercialized expressway in the Yangtze River Delta region.
The expressway has also made it easier to access tourist attractions in the area. Some of the more popular attraction include Hangzhou’s West Lake, Shaoxing’s Miaofeng Mountain, and Rushan’s sand beach. All of these locations can be reached in just a few hours’ time from being on the expressway.
All in all, the Shanghai–Ningbo Expressway has proven to be an asset to both Zhejiang and its surrounding areas. It connects major cities, provides better transportation for cargo and passenger, and provides access to some of the area’s most popular attractions. Increase economic growth is certainly not far off as result of this expressway.
