Construction work has begun on a major expressway to improve the road network and local economy in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Once completed, the 135km bidirectional expressway will link Kuytun and Karamay City.

The 3.87 billion yuan (US$567m) project will be co-funded by the central government and Xinjiang regional government.

The road will be constructed with four lanes and is expected to be complete in November 2011.