New expressway links Yichang and Enshi in 1.5 hours

By Chen Zai

The Yichang section of the Yidu-Laifeng Expressway passed final inspection on December 27, marking the countdown to its official opening.

The Yichang section begins in Yidu and ends in Wufeng Tujia Autonomous County, both under the jurisdiction of Yichang City. It stretches 92 kilometers, with nearly 75 percent of the route made up of bridges and tunnels.

Once open, the Yidu-Laifeng Expressway will cut travel time between Yichang and Enshi from 4 hours to about 1.5 hours, significantly improving transportation in southwestern Hubei Province. The route will also connect minority counties such as Hefeng, Laifeng and Wufeng, strengthening transport links to Sichuan, Chongqing and Guizhou provinces.