Construction project leads to gridlock in Pudong

Construction of the Middle Ring Road's Pudong section created major traffic jams in the area yesterday, the first working day since the project was launched on the weekend.

Additional police officers were deployed to direct traffic while they also cracked down on illegal parking to help improve traffic flow.

Police encouraged residents in the area to take public transport such as bus and Metro, and avoid peak hours when possible as the congestion is expected to continue for the duration of construction of the elevated highway, which is expected to take 30 months.

Chu Jianguo, a traffic police squad leader in Pudong, said the construction project "has a huge impact on surrounding traffic."

He said many office workers were late for work and children late for school.

Officials said it is the final section of the Middle Ring Road and it will help improve traffic in the area as Shanghai Disneyland opens in 2015.

The new elevated highway, costing more than 10 billion yuan (US$1.62 billion), is being built between Jungong Road Tunnel and Gaoke Road M.

The 9.4-kilometer section will have two decks, each with four lanes, which should help prevent traffic jams, Shang Housheng, an official with the Shanghai Construction and Transport Commission, said previously.

But until it opens traffic jams will be common, Shang said.

Eleven bus routes in the area will be temporarily altered, added officials. Bus passengers were asked to check notices posted at bus stations for complete details.

Officials also asked drivers to avoid the area whenever possible.

Yesterday, vehicles traveled only at 5 to 10 kilometers per hour on some roads near the construction area.

The Jinqiao elevated road built in 1994 was torn down in the area recently, adding to the current congestion.

Traffic congestion is common around the city, even during non-peak hours, police said.