Cities in the Jiaodong Economic Circle have been ramping up efforts to boost the integrated development of transportation so as to fuel regional economic growth.

The Qingdao-Pingdu-Laizhou Intercity Railway will bring convenience to local residents and boost the integrated development of the Jiaodong Economic Circle. [Photo/qingdaonews.com]

According to local officials, the Qingdao-Pingdu-Laizhou Intercity Railway project has been listed in the Shandong's intercity railway construction planning (2021-2035) released by the Shandong Provincial Development and Reform Commission. The pre-feasibility study report for the project has passed the expert review.

The 90-kilometer intercity railway will have three stations and will receive a total investment of 16.2 billion yuan ($2.54 billion). The designed speed is 350 km per hour.

The construction of the first culvert for the project started on April 25. Officials said that the Qingdao-Pingdu-Laizhou Intercity Railway will be connected with the Weifang-Yantai High-speed Railway via the Laizhou station.

Qingdao boasts picturesque landscapes. [Photo/VCG]

The intercity railway will allow Laizhou to become integrated into the development of the Qingdao metropolitan area, according to local officials.

In addition, the construction of Qingdao-Pingdu-Laizhou Expressway is also stepping up. With a total length of about 68 kilometers, the expressway has a designed speed of 120 km per hour and four two-way lanes.