Shanghai authorities have launched a new online system to stop the notorious practice of "road zipping" and curb repeat road-digging projects.

Road zipping refers to the same section of a street being dug open and repaired within a short period of time by separate operators.

The new system is the latest move by the urban engineering authority to reduce disturbances to traffic and the environment caused by inefficient road projects.

Road projects are a primary cause for complaint from drivers and cause noise and dust pollution as well as traffic hazards.

Officials from the urban engineering authority said the new online system would integrate information from different departments and keep a record of road projects. The system would also help the road project watchdog generate a comprehensive plan each month for different road-digging projects across town.

The traffic authority said latest figures showed construction projects were taking place on about 330 city roads in June, which caused pressure on downtown traffic.

(Shanghai Daily October 6, 2008)