Heavy fog closes down China expressways

Heavy fog that shrouded most parts of north China Sunday has closed down dozens of expressways, hindering the return of holiday travelers towards the end of the golden week.

In Beijing, heavy smog lasted into the second day Sunday and visibility was under 1,000 meters.

As of 10 a.m., traffic police authorities had closed down six interprovincial expressways, including roads linking the capital with Harbin in the northeast, Shanghai in the east, as well as Tianjin and Hebei Province.

Meanwhile, authorities in Tianjin said they had closed down all 14 expressways in the northern municipality amid heavy fog.

In the neighboring Hebei Province, 13 expressways have been closed until visibility improves.

Foggy weather has also affected most parts of Liaoning Province. As of Sunday morning, 15 expressways have been closed down.

In the foggiest industrial city of Anshan, visibility was under 50 meters in some areas and many travelers were forced to postpone their trips.

Sunday is the sixth day of the week-long holiday for China's National Day and large crowds of holidaymakers are heading home from their tours.

The foggy weather has wreaked more havoc on the road, as expressways, that open for free during the holiday, are already under heavy pressure.