Yetimbulak-Ruoqiang highway in Xinjiang opens to traffic

(ECNS) -- The highway between Yetimbulak Town and Ruoqiang County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region officially opened to traffic on Tuesday, serving as the third major highway to enter and exit Xinjiang.

With a total length of 294 kilometers, the highway is of great significance to the Belt and Road Initiative, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and quality development of local economy and people's livelihood.

The highway is surrounded by mountains and hills with an average altitude of nearly 3,300 meters. The entire line lies in the uninhabited areas of Altun Mountain and Lop Nor, which are among the four major uninhabited areas in China. Workers went through deserts, overcoming various difficulties in harsh conditions.

The project also focuses on environmental protection, such as solid waste treatment, noise and air pollution prevention.