CSCEC footprints on the Belt and Road: Roads and bridges of friendship and goodwill

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A solid transportation network facilitates economic development and improves living standards. China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) has undertaken many infrastructure construction and renovation projects across the globe, and a core part of its work has been road and bridge projects. These successful projects have received worldwide recognition, as they not only connect countries and regions, but also boost local economy and improve people's wellbeing. CSCEC's efforts in overseas markets are beyond the scope of business operations, as they are also a gesture toward international goodwill and transcultural friendship.

Temburong Bridge Project (CC4 section), Brunei

The sea-crossing Temburong Bridge, spanning the Brunei Bay, is a fully prefabricated bridge that has the most spans in the world, and the largest infrastructure project in Bruneian history. With a total length of 11.8 kilometers, its CC4 section contracted by CSCEC was completed on Nov. 29, 2019. Inaugurated on Mar. 17, 2020, the 30-kilometer bridge connects the Brunei-Muara and Temburong districts, and shortens commute time from two hours to 15 minutes.

The successful completion of the CC4 section fully demonstrates the technological strength and innovation capability of Chinese companies, and has generated good economic and social results.

Southern Expressway Extension Project, Sri Lanka

The Southern Expressway Extension is a key project of the 21st Century Marine Silk Road co-developed by Chinese and Sri Lankan governments. At a total length of 96 kilometers, the expressway extension was divided into four sections, of which the second and the third were contracted to CSCEC. It officially opened to traffic on Feb. 23, 2020.

The project significantly reduces the commute time between the capital Colombo and Hambantota, and serves as the traffic artery of the western and southern regions of Sri Lanka, effectively enhancing the level of connectivity among the country's four major cities—Colombo, Hambantota, Mattala, and the tourist city of Galle. Praised by local residents as the "road of wealth to the future," the project is helping Sri Lanka move towards the goal of building itself into an economic center of South Asia.

237-kilometer Climate-resilient Road Project, Zambia

The 237-kilometer Climate-resilient Road is a gift for the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zambia, and the first-ever pilot project in Zambia invested by the Climate Investment Funds, aiming to cope with environmental changes. The road is gravel wear-resistant, with a length of 237 kilometers and a width of 5.5 meters. It was completed and opened to traffic on Nov. 21, 2019.

The project connects Zambia's central and southern provinces, and is the first interconnection between the Kafue River Basin and the Kafue National Park. By removing the seasonal traffic restrictions at Kafue, the project has brought great convenience to local people.

Peshawar-Karachi Motorway Project (Sukkur-Multan section), Pakistan

The Peshawar-Karachi Motorway Project (Sukkur-Multan section) is the largest transport infrastructure under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and a key project of the Belt and Road Initiative. The project features the highest design level and the most advanced intelligent transport system of Pakistan, and it is designed to withstand a 1-in-100-year flood event. It was opened to traffic on Nov. 5, 2019.

The project has opened up the north-to-south traffic artery in Pakistan, greatly improved the country's traffic situation, directly promote the social and economic development of the areas along the route, and played a positive role in the connectivity between China and Pakistan.

N6 Road Rehabilitation and Expansion Project, Mozambique

The N6 Road, also known as the Beira Corridor, is a transportation artery and a key economic infrastructure project in central Mozambique, and an international passage connecting Mozambique with Zimbabwe, Zambia, and other countries. Its total length is 287.3 kilometers, and the project was officially completed in September 2019.

From the beginning to its successful completion, the project provided job opportunities for 6,537 people in the area, of which 641 skilled workers and 696 operators received professional training. Throughout all phases of the project, 196 training sessions on construction safety were organized for local employees, receiving 4,804 participants. The project management also hosted 26 information sessions on disease prevention, which received 2,642 sign-ups.

North-South Highway Project, Algeria

The North-South Highway has been recognized as a landmark project in Algeria, as it posed the most complicated geological challenges, the toughest technical requirements, and the biggest construction difficulties the country has ever faced. Starting from the Mediterranean coast and running southward to the hinterland of the African continent, it traverses the Sahara Desert and connects the northern and southern regions of the country. The 53-kilometer section contracted by CSCEC opened to traffic on Jul. 4, 2019.

The project recruited local Algerians for both managerial and operational positions. Under a scheme featuring international apprenticeship, CSCEC's Chinese employees shared with their Algerian colleagues not only how to perform certain operations, but also how to become independent workers and directors with expertise and experience. CSCEC also provided professional training to help its Algerian employees improve their career prospects and reach work-related goals.

National Road No. 1 Project, Republic of Congo

National Road No. 1 is the highest-level highway in the country offering the best transportation experience. It is also the largest and the most important cooperation project between China and the Republic of Congo since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The 536-kilometer road is a key transportation infrastructure linking the country's capital city Brazzaville to its second largest city Pointe-Noire. It started operation on Mar. 1, 2019.

As a critical road in the country's transportation network, National Road No. 1 connects three major cities, strengthens the connection between the Republic of Congo and the neighboring countries, and promotes regional integration in central Africa, making tremendous political, economic, and social impacts.

Pulaski Skyway Reconstruction Project, US

Built in 1932, the Pulaski Skyway spans three cities with a total length of 5.6 kilometers. It serves as a vital link between New Jersey and New York City. During the project, CSCEC carried out high-intensity construction work overnight in order not to interrupt the flow of local traffic.

The project, completed in 2018, was among the biggest bridge reconstruction contracts signed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation in history. It not only improved the daily commute of many local residents, but also provided them with a lot of job opportunities.

Alexander Hamilton Bridge Renovation Project, US

Coming into service in 1963, the Alexander Hamilton Bridge spans 723 meters over the Harlem River, and is located in New York City where Interstate-95 and Interstate-87 intersect, facilitating traffic between the boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx. CSCEC undertook the comprehensive renovation and expansion of the bridge without affecting the flow of daily traffic. The project was completed in 2013.

CSCEC attracted experienced local project managers to join the construction team. The proprietor of the bridge showed high appreciation for CSCEC's concept of green construction and sense of social responsibility.

Rama VIII Bridge Project, Thailand

The Rama VIII Bridge is a two-way, four-lane cable-stayed bridge across the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, consisting of a main bridge and elevated approach bridges. The project is a reinforced concrete structure with a total length of 2,480 meters, including a 475-meter main bridge supported by a 175-meter-tall main tower. The project was completed and opened to traffic in 2002.

The late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand hosted the opening ceremony and presented an award to CSCEC. The Rama VIII Bridge is depicted on the backside of Thailand's 20-baht banknote, and has been a symbol of friendship between China and Thailand.

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