On September 3rd, the reporter learned from the expert verification meeting of scheme of Yichang line of Xiangyang-Yichang expressway that it passed the verification, marking the staged achievements of the preliminary work of the project. After the construction of Xiangyang-Yichang expressway, it takes only 1.5h to drive from Yichang to Xiangyang.

　　It is understood that Xiangyang-Yichang expressway starts from southern out-ring of Xiangyang, runs through Xiangcheng District, Nanzhang County, Yuan'an County, Dangyang City, Yiling District, and connects with Shanghai-Chengdu expressway hub near Guangzhuang, with a total length of about 156 kilometers.

　　The starting point of the suggested scheme for Yichang section is near Sujiazhuang, Hekou Village, Yuan'an County, and the end point is at the Guanzhuang hub crossing Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway, which is about 86 kilometers long. The terminal is connected with Huaxi Road, which is about 10.5 kilometers long. It is suggested adopting the standard of two-way four-lane expressway with designed speed of 100 km/h to 120 km/h, and the standard of first-class highway with designed speed of 80 km/h for the connected lines. The estimated investment of the project is 14.5 billion yuan and the construction period is 48 months.

　　After the completion and opening of Xiangyang-Yichang expressway, the traffic time of expressway between the two cities will be shortened from 3 hours to 1.5 hours, and Yuan'an will truly integrate into Yichang's "half-hour" economic circle. The construction of this project will give full play to the "engine" function, benefit millions of people, lead the industrial development, promote the process of poverty alleviation and urban-rural transport integration, fully demonstrate "humanistic" effect, put more than 65 scenic spots of grade A in Xiangyang and Yichang in motion, and tap the potential of cultural tourism resources along the line. It will fully highlight the role of “two sides”. The economy of the two cities will develop together through this line connecting them, which help promote the implementation of decision-making for the rise of the central region in the new era. The "artery" function will be fully realized, connecting Shanghai-Chengdu expressway and Hohhot-Beihai expressway, radiating into Chongqing city group and central-China city group, unblocking the artery of regional expressway network, and forming inter-city fast passage.(Reporter:He Guanying; Correspondent:Wu You)