New China bridge causing a scenic view pileup
May 8, 2008
Beijing, China (WiredPRNews.com) — China’s newest attraction comes in the form of a cross-sea bridge aimed at cutting travel time from two major Chinese ports from four hours to only two and a half hours, but the bridge has already come with a price.
The world’s newest and longest bridge covers over 22 miles from its port city of Ningbo, spanning Hangzhou Bay in the province of Zhejiang, and ending in the financial hub of Shanghai. Although the construction of the bridge is meant to expedite travel and alleviate traffic concerns, it seems that the scenic ocean view and monumental size of the bridge is causing quite a pile up.
Already, over 300 drivers have been cited by police for driving too slow or parking in the emergency lane to take photographs. Only open to the public for 6 days since the beginning of the month, the onlookers have already caused several automobile accidents and sever traffic issues. Many of the Chinese drivers are disgruntled at the resistance from authorities complaining that they merely want to gaze at the wonderful view of the sea.
According to Zhejiang’s official news portal, “Some drivers busted for illegal parking even posed in front of police cameras, hoping to turn police snapshots into souvenirs…Traffic jams should be impossible under normal circumstances given the capacity of the bridge.”
Local media reports state that the highly anticipated sightseeing platforms which will be situated in the middle of the bridge will not be available to tourists for another two years and will cost a staggering $1.7-billion.
Wired World News Reporter
