Tong'an district is set to open Xiamen's first ring overpass after its last steel box girder was put into place on Dec 12.

The Bida overpass is located at the crossroads of West Ring Road and Tonglian Road, where a new urban center is in the shaping with commercial and residential developments sprang up in recent years. Local authorities anticipate the infrastructure offering residents and local students a safer travel option in the area.

The overpass is set to open on Jan 20, in time for Chinese New Year. The circular structure runs for a length of 237 meters at a height of seven meters off the ground. In time the steel structure will be intertwined with greenery to beautify the edifice. Two approach bridges will eventually link to a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminal as will the Lehai shopping center.

The development is named after Wu Bida, a famed historical local figure who served as a provincial navy commander-in-chief during Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

An aerial view of the Bida Overpass in Xiamen’s Tong’an district. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]