Anhui highways reopen but jamed

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-31-2008 09:04

Highways across Anhui Province have reopened, but regular traffic flow is still being hampered by poor conditions.

Highways across Anhui Province have reopened, but regular traffic flow is still being hampered by poor conditions.

Most highways connecting Hefei to other cities have reopened as the snow storm came to a temporary end, but it is still very difficult for the more than 10,000 vehicles to start moving again. Some people have spent a whole week on the road for a journey that usually takes a day. Snow clearing operations and food and water supplies have been a big help, but improved road conditions are needed for a fast and safe journey."

Road surfaces like this are OK to walk on, but not good at all for driving. And this is what some reopened highways in Anhui look like. Some vehicles have been stuck for days, while others have just started their journeys all experiencing the travel misery.

A bus driver said, "Staying on such roads for so long made us panic. Some passengers are with their little kids. The kids whine all the time, wanting to get off the bus."

A passenger said, "I chose the bus because I couldn't get a train ticket. I thought the bus would be faster and more convenient, but I didn't expect such bad weather."

Local authorities can't leave these people in the middle of nowhere. Food and water supplies have helped many survive in the cold. Snow clearing operations have been going on around the clock.

And in this highway command center, the opening or closure of routes is decided on an hourly basis, according to road conditions, traffic flow, and temperatures. The staff answer about seven thousand calls every day and help travelers make the right choices. Wang Mangmag,CCTV, Hefei, Anhui Province.

Editor:Zhang Ning