Road passages flanking Banzhang Mt Tunnel underwent data tests on June 10 and 11 concerning traffic signs and markings, peak time traffic volume, and signal control in preparation for the unspecified official opening date.

Auxiliary work on traffic markings, for instance, is still underway for the 1,235-m (1,350-yd) southbound passage from New Xiangzhou (Ningxi) to Gongbei and 1,220-m (1,334-yd) northbound lanes, according to Li Qun of the Traffic Police Detachment of the Zhuhai Municipal Public Security Bureau.

New roadway under Banzhang Mt [Photo by Chen Xinnian / Guanhai App]

Moreover, colored asphalt pavement of the additional 1,235-m (1,350-yd) slow-traffic tunnel, the first of kind in the country, was completed Wednesday. And, inkjet depictions of blue sky white clouds, and flying magpies were installed.

Construction by China Railway Tunnel Group commenced in March 2018 and is to be completed this month. Once operational, the two dual-lane roadway tunnels will allow a maximum speed of 60 kmph (37 mph), and the slow-traffic passageway will accommodate cyclists and pedestrians going in both directions.

They will add to the current Banzhang Mt Tunnel to form a dual eight-lane passage that is expected to break gridlocks on north-south Yingbin Road and alleviate traffic pressure on downtown Zhuhai.