Traffic System Rebuilding Projects Launched in Sichuan

29 reconstruction projects have been initiated to restore the quake-ravaged transportation lifeline in southwest China's Sichuan province.

With a total investment of five billion yuan, or about 727 million US dollars, the restoration work in Sichuan is expected to be completed within three years.

Gaofeng is head of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Communications.

"A total of 29 projects covering six cities and prefectures in Sichuan have kicked off today. Earlier, 24 rebuilding projects were already launched with a total investment of 33 billion yuan. We will also launch some projects costing more than 60 billion yuan within the month."

All of the planned reconstruction projects will have started by the end of next March.

The 8.0-magnitude May 12 earthquake essentially destroyed the traffic infrastructure in Sichuan, causing losses totaling more than 56 billion yuan.

According to the local government, the rebuilding projets focus on the reconstruction of major highways, rural highways and more than 380 passenger depots.