The Guanpan Expressway (phase 1).[Photo/Dongguan Bureau of Transport]

Guanpan Expressway (phase 1), which connects Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway and Nansha Bridge that was open to traffic recently, was put into use on April 25.

"The new expressway not only improves the traffic between different towns in Dongguan, but also ends the history of no convenient and direct expressway connecting these towns with other west Pearl River cities," said an official representative of Zhongshan Bureau of Transport, adding that Guanpan Expressway (phase 1) is another convenient channel for Zhongshan citizens who want to go to Dongguan, Huizhou and other eastern Guangdong cities.

Previously, Zhongshan citizens had two route options to go to Dongguan and Huizhou. One of them was to cross the busy Humen Bridge. The newly-open Guanpan Expressway (phase 1) will be a new choice, with citizens crossing the Nansha Bridge and getting to the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway.

"Considering the speed limit and heavy traffic on the Humen Bridge and tunnels along the way, the new route is more favorable in travel time," said Mr Wang, a Zhongshan citizen who frequently commutes between Zhongshan and Dongguan.