The Zaozhuang-Heze expressway in Shandong province was opened to traffic on Aug 10.

The new 187.32-kilometer expressway traverses the three cities of Zaozhuang, Jining and Heze, and shortens travel time between Zaozhuang and Heze from 4 hours to 1.5 hours.

The Zaozhuang-Heze expressway opens to traffic on Aug 10. [Photo/iqilu.com]

The new expressway, which is the first to be opened in Shandong this year, will accelerate the connectivity of transportation infrastructure in the South Shandong Economic Circle and promote high-quality development in the region, local officials said.

Expressways and high-speed railways are considered a top priority in the construction of transportation networks in the province.

The total length of expressways in the province will reach 7,400 kilometers by the end of the year, according to officials.