The 18-month upgrading project for the 4.9-km (3-mile) section of National Expressway G105 (Gudu Avenue) from Nantan Road to Tanzhou Interchange of the Western Coastal Expressway will start this month, according to the project constructor Zhuhai Zhengfang Holdings.

G105 is an artery for Xiangzhou motorists to access the Western Coastal Expressway and Zhongshan's Sanxiang Town. Starting from North Mingzhu Road, G105 connects the Lixi and Nanxi areas with a number of logistics bases and industrial development platforms like Sanxi Technology & Innovation Town in Qianshan.

Rendering of National Expressway G105 after renovation [Photo courtesy Zhuhai Daily]

However, the expressway has experienced problems caused by heavy traffic pressure, such as cracks and sinking that have created water pooling on rainy days. When the Xianghai Bridge viaduct branch line is put into use later this year, traffic pressure on G105 will be relieved, making it possible for G105's renovation.

The project will first start dealing with existing cracks and sinking by paving a four-centimeter-thick asphalt cover to improve the transportation environment. A rainwater collection system will be installed, while other measures like renovating roadside green belts and setting slight slopes will be made to accelerate rainwater drainage on the road surface.

The expressway's main line will remain as dual eight lanes, while a lane will be built for pedestrians and non-motor vehicles on the east side. In the future, a south-north one-way auxiliary road will connect Nanfu Road, Nanxi Street, Chuangyuan Road (under construction), Jinxi Avenue, as well as Fengda and Ligong roads.