Will the Lion Sleep Tonight?

The sound-proof tunnel pictured above forms part of the recently completed Zhanxi Lu that opened to traffic yesterday. The road allows commuters to avoid the traffic snarl that is Xizhimen Qiao by cutting through Beijing Zoo on an elevated flyover that connects Chegongzhuang Dajie to Gaoliangqiao Xiejie. The road is 2.16km long, and the 1.8km section that passes above the zoo has also been fitted with a soundproofed cover in order to prevent noise from the traffic disturbing the animals.

The new flyover will ease traffic snarls between the western Second and Third Ring Roads and make it easier for those who commute between Zhongguancun and Dongcheng district.

Links and Sources:
The Beijing News: 展西路通车(image)
Jinghua: 北京二三环交通改善 展西路等三条主干通车 (image)
QQ: 北京动物园上空建"隔音隧道" 动物免受噪音干扰 (image)
Beijing Morning Post: Cover image
Danwei: An elevated tunnel takes shape in Beijing