The Most Complex Highway

One of the most essential infrastructures for urban traffic and transportation is the road network. The USA and China have the longest road networks in the world. In China, highways stretch over 190,700 kilometers. China not only builds roads but also develops smart traffic solutions. One of these is the highway interchange in Chongqing.

Known as Huanshiyuan Interchange, it is located east of the city center on the right bank of the Yangtze River. Connecting two high-speed roads coming into the city, the interchange challenges drivers. The five-level interchange is divided into 20 directions. The 16-kilometer-long maze reaches a height of 37 meters, equivalent to a 12-story building. There are 8 entrances on the first level. If drivers take the wrong loop, they may travel hundreds of kilometers before returning to the interchange. Therefore, drivers check their route and bridges online before entering. Construction of Huanshiyuan began in 2009 and opened to traffic in 2017.