Shanghai Transport Commission begins work on S26 Expressway

Shanghai Transport Commission has initiated major construction works on its newly elevated S26 Expressway.

The road will link Hongqiao Central Business District and National Exhibition and Convention Center with downtown, as well as reduce traffic congestion in north Shanghai.

A pre-manufactured pillar has been lifted into place, marking the commencement of work on a section of the expressway.

A 9m-tall pre-manufactured concrete pillar was put in place by a crane for the ‘entry section’ of the S26 Expressway on Jidi Road in Minhang District.

A 95t support pillar, which was manufactured in a nearby facility, has also been installed on the foundation for the section.

Almost 70% of the highway, including pillars, beams and steel structures, was pre-manufactured by TEC Shanghai Urban Construction Municipal Engineering Group.

According to the group's project manager Jin Nai, the use of building information modelling technology makes it possible to increase precision in the expressway's construction to within 2mm.

Even though construction cost is 6% more than the standard method, the time needed can be cut by almost 50%.

The entry section of S26 Expressway, also known as the Shanghai-Suzhou Expressway, is a 7.08km stretch from Huaxin Town in Qingpu District to the Jiamin Elevated Road in Minhang District.

The expressway is expected to open by the end of 2018.