Work started in mid-Dec. 1999 on a 40.8 km U-shaped light rail line in the Chinese capital, Beijing. The $707.8 million line has been designed to relieve traffic congestion, improve air quality, and stimulate the property market in various districts. The line, with 30.3 km at grade, 7.7 km elevated, and 2.8 km in tunnel, will cover north Beijing, running from Xizhimen in the northwest to Huilongguan in the northeast. After completion, which is scheduled for 2001, the line will be extended from Huilongguan to Dongzhimen by 2006. It will provide interchanges with the city's circular metro line at Dongzhimen and Xizhimen. February 2000.
