Traffic Chaos as Multiple Downtown Roads Shut Down for Plenum
Wednesday rush hour traffic is shaping up to be a nightmare as multiple roads around Tian'anmen Square will be closed as Beijing hosts the 19th Party Plenum at the Great Hall of the People.
Sometime after 7am on Oct 18 (today), traffic on the following Beijing roads will be stopped: the northeast portion of the Fifth Ring Road, Jingmi Road, the Airport Express, the North Second Ring Road, Xizhimen North Boulevard, Chegongzhuang Boulevard, Qiansanmen Boulevard, and Chang'an Street as well as its extension.
Specific times for road closures have not been publicized, and locals should prepare themselves for closures happening at any time of day. Residents are advised to stay updated on current road situations through social media, following a "need to know" basis in which the Plenum finally got officially announced just two days before it is to be held.
Authorities have suggested the following roads as traffic alternatives, thereby providing yet another list of streets you'd do best to avoid: the East and West Third Ring Road, the North Fourth Ring Road, Ping'an Boulevard, Liangguang Boulevard, Lianshi Road, Fucheng Road, Chaoyang Road, Tonghui Hebei Road, the Beijing-Chengde Expressway, and the No.2 Airport Expressway.
The road closures are in addition to normal vehicle restrictions, which will be "3" and "8" for Wednesday. So far, no subway stations are said to be closed.
READ: Extra Security Causes Massive Queues on Beijing Metro as Plenum Approaches
Authorities are also warning Beijing motorists to stay clear of streets surround local hospitals like the Children's Hospital, No.3 Hospital of Beijing University, Tiantan Hospital, and Anzhen Hospital. The city explains that traffic is likely to be higher around these areas tomorrow because "more residents will be catching colds due to lower temperatures."
The road closures follow a host of security measures implemented for the Plenum that include bans of self-serve gas purchase, Airbnb rental, drone flying as well as increased security at Beijing subway stations that began on Tuesday.
Arduous worker of unremitting efforts: We can appreciate your willingness to contribute to Beijing's GDP, but today won't be the best day for you to do it. It'd be best to refrain from doing any unnecessary tasks or business on Wednesday and give yourself enough time for commuting in light of the delays that will invariably happen.
Images: YouTube, Fengniao.com
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