Work started in mid-December 1999 on a 40.8km long U-shaped light rail line in the Chinese capital, Beijing. The $707.8m line has been designed to relieve traffic congestion, improve air quality and stimulate the property market in various districts. The line, which has 30.3km at grade, 7.7km elevated and 2.8km in tunnel, will cover north Beijing, running from Xizhimen in the north west to Huilongguan in the north east. After completion, which is scheduled for 2001, the line will be extended from Huilongguan to Dongzhimen by 2006.
