You think that your commuting to work is bad???

[Pavka007]

....well think again and be happy that you don't commute in and out of Beijing

"Hundreds of trucks heading for Beijing on the Beijing-Tibet Expressway have been at a standstill because of roadworks in the capital.
Small traffic accidents or broken-down cars are aggravating the congestion which started on August 14.
But those affected have been taking the disruption in their stride.
Drivers have been playing chess or cards, with some joking "concerts should be held at each congested area every weekend, to alleviate drivers' homesickness".
And local residents have been benefiting from the queue too by setting up temporary stalls selling food and drink to the car owners.
There has been anger that some vendors have been making a small fortune by overcharging drivers for items including noodles and hot water.
Around 400 police officers are at the scene 24 hours a day to make sure the situation stays calm.
It is hoped the roadworks will be completed by the end of September but congestion and road safety are a huge concern for Chinese motorists.
Traffic jams have been frequent since May due to the rapid increase of trucks to a daily peak of about 17,000.
Niu Fengrui, director of the Institute for Urban and Environmental Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences told the Global Times poor road planning was part of the problem: "If there's no traffic jam in the city, that would be news.
"Our government should pick up the pace of urban infrastructure construction and spend some of its budget."


http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20100823/twl-going-nowhere-traffic-jam-enters-nin-3fd0ae9.html

[toomany MBZ]

Uncontrolled growth, wait, that's the definition of cancer, right?

[cmbdiesel]

Won't be too long before China is spending a much larger slice of their GNP on infrastructure. If their economy is going to continue to grow, then they will have no choice but investing in things like roads, electrical grids, pipelines, water treatment.... the list is staggering. Personally, I think we are witnessing the very first signs of change. Their people are not going to continue to stand for enormous profits made by the gov't with no return to the people.

[SwampYankee]

My commute sometimes requires me to wait for a car. Maybe two.

[Pavka007]

Originally Posted by SwampYankee

My commute sometimes requires me to wait for a car. Maybe two.

I can't even imagine what would be if you have to wait for 3 or 4

[R Leo]

Originally Posted by cmbdiesel

Won't be too long before China is spending a much larger slice of their GNP on infrastructure.

You are completely in the dark if you don't think that's not already happening.

• Observed at least 30 significant bridges under construction to cross Yangtze during China trip in '06
• Beijing's fourth 'Ring Road' nearing completion in '06
• Shanghai subway expanded by approximately 25% between '06 and '10
• High speed rail line to points west of Shanghai nearing completion in '10
• High speed rail line from Beijing to to western China complete as of '09
• The list goes on...

[Fulcrum525]

Originally Posted by SwampYankee

My commute sometimes requires me to wait for a car. Maybe two.

Don't forget the little old ladies crossing the street



So on this traffic jam.....is the traffic not moving at all or can people at least find a way off the highway?

[4x4_Welder]

Originally Posted by cmbdiesel

Won't be too long before China is spending a much larger slice of their GNP on infrastructure. If their economy is going to continue to grow, then they will have no choice but investing in things like roads, electrical grids, pipelines, water treatment.... the list is staggering. Personally, I think we are witnessing the very first signs of change. Their people are not going to continue to stand for enormous profits made by the gov't with no return to the people.

Isn't that the point of communism? Government takes all money, and hands out a pittance to the people? Isn't it great to see such an efficient, sensible system being put in place here?

[SwampYankee]

Originally Posted by Pavka007

I can't even imagine what would be if you have to wait for 3 or 4

That could easily double my commute time. That really gets my blood boiling!

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

Don't forget the little old ladies crossing the street

They bounce right off.