New "Waterfront Slow Traffic System" Opens Along Liangma River

Along with Sanlitun's "slow traffic system", a redesign of sidewalks and bike paths spanning from Gongti Nanlu all the way up to Liangmahe Nanlu, the Liangma River itself is getting a bit of a pedestrian-friendly infrastructure upgrade as well.

Dubbed the Liangma Riverside Slow Traffic System, the new path runs from Dongzhimen in the west to Honglingjin Lake in the southeast, traversing 24 bridges and passing by five piers along the way. Despite being referred to as a slow traffic system, it's worth mentioning that this route is entirely distinct from the previously mentioned Sanlitun Slow Traffic route.

Upon our late afternoon visit to Liangma River, we discovered a new addition at the juncture of the East Third Ring Road and Liangma River, nestled beneath the Yansha Bridge. This underwater tunnel, known as the Yansha Bridge Waterfront Channel, has the potential to significantly reduce the traversal time across the Third Ring Road from seven minutes down to a mere minute and a half, according to Beijing Daily. This corridor, boasting a width of approximately three to four meters, also features a handy ramp.

As per our conversation with a construction worker involved in the project, the newly completed channel runs approximately 115 meters in length. The most significant change brought about by this construction is the enhanced pedestrian experience. No longer will pedestrians need to pause their journey, waiting for the traffic lights to cross the Third Ring Road.

In China, spaces beneath bridges are often labeled as 灰色空间, which translates to "grey spaces." These areas are typically seen as bland, dull, and filled with the sterile scent of concrete. However, the Yansha Bridge Waterfront Channel defies this stereotype. This underpass is adorned with well-maintained greenery. As one ventures under the bridge, an exhibition space appears on the right wall, displaying the commercial layout of Chaoyang district's water system. 

Furthermore, the Waterfront Channel provides a seamless connection to Subway Line 10. Upon emerging above ground on either side of the tunnel, commuters immediately find themselves at Liangmaqiao Subway Station.

Strolling alongside the tranquil Liangma River, one can't help but marvel at the lush lotus leaves and plants that engulf the waterway. Spanning a vast 800,000 square meters, the Liangma River Waterfront devotes 75 percent of this space to public leisure. The entire riverside has transformed into an incredibly pedestrian and bicycle-friendly zone, indicative of the city's broader vision for a more accessible and slow-paced traffic system. 

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Images: Irene Li