REVscene Automotive Forum - Epic traffic jam in China

Quote:

And you thought your commute was bad.

A 62-mile-long traffic jam on a highway leading to Beijing has now entered its ninth day, with no relief in sight, according to Chinese state media.

The gridlock on the National Expressway 110, also referred to as the Beijing-Tibet expressway, began on August 14 due to a spike in truck traffic heading toward the capital, AFP reported. The problem was exacerbated by a construction project on the roadway that began five days later, a spokesman for the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau told the Global Times. Small accidents and broken-down cars have also been a factor since the congestion started.

While state media reports noted that Beijing drivers are accustomed to such delays, having suffered through similarly epic gridlock in July, they may have to be especially patient in this instance as the construction project is not scheduled to end until mid-September.

Residents in the area have reportedly sought to capitalize on the captive drivers by setting up food and drink stands along the roadway. However a number of the drivers complained about exorbitant prices.

"Instant noodles are sold at four times the original price while I wait in the congestion," one trucker said, describing the inflated prices caused him to suffer "double blows."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/0..._n_690742.html

Time to break out the bicycles!