The Fourth National Highway Project is the fourth project in a series of World Bank-funded operations to help China improve its highway system between Beijing and Guangzhou, providing an important trade link between some of the country s major cities, and integrating remote parts of the country with major urban areas. When completed, it will connect the capital cities of Hubei and Hunan and will serve approximately 40 million people in its wider area of influence. The project will also help alleviate growing income disparities between interior and coastal provinces through improved access to coastal port cities and increased integration of Hunan and Hubei into the world trading system by contributing more to Chinese international trade.
Traffic safety is a major concern in China.
Road safety activities in Hunan and Hubei have already been initiated under the second and third national highway projects. The expressways will have improved surface conditions and safety facilities.