China has taken a significant leap forward in improving transport safety in its rural areas. On Friday, the State Council Information Office released a white paper titled “China’s Rural Roads in the New Era,” highlighting the nation’s efforts to enhance rural transport infrastructure.
The white paper outlines how China has identified and removed safety hazards, strengthened transport safety management, and achieved greater consistency in safety measures. These advancements not only improve daily travel for rural residents but also enable a better emergency response system.
According to China’s Highway Performance Assessment Standard, highways are rated on a five-level scale: premier, good, medium, inferior, and substandard. Similarly, bridges are assessed from Grade I to Grade V, with Grade IV and Grade V considered dangerous. The recent developments aim to upgrade substandard roads and dangerous bridges to ensure safer journeys across the countryside.
China’s rural road network now spans an impressive 4.6 million kilometers—enough to circle the globe 115 times. This extensive network is a testament to the country’s commitment to connecting rural communities and boosting economic opportunities.
By prioritizing rural infrastructure, China is setting an example of how improving transport can enhance safety, foster development, and improve the quality of life for millions of people.
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Graphics: Strengthened rural roads boost transport safety in China
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