Beyond this point lies a tale of connection. We are standing at Shibalidian Bridge. It is more than just concrete and steel.
Shibalidian Bridge is a vital point in Beijing’s transportation network. The southeastern 4th Ring Road meets the Jingjintang Expressway here. Shibalidian means a shop at 18 “li”. A Chinese “li” equals 0.5 kilometer. The “dian” in Shibalidian is a locality ending. It may not mean there was a shop here.
This overpass complex includes three bridges. There is Shibalidian North Bridge. There is Shibalidian Bridge. There is Shibalidian South Bridge.
Imagine Beijing in 1993. Shibalidian was not very important then. The Jingjintang Expressway had just opened. Shibalidian was Exit No 1.
The 4th Ring Road changed everything. Shibalidian became more important. Trade increased. The Beijing Chaoyang Port opened near Shibalidian.
In 2004, the Beijing Municipal Public Security Ministry moved its Vehicle Management authorities here. They moved from Beiyuan to Shibalidian.
The eastern 4th Ring Road ends in Shibalidian. Before 2001, you had to switch to the Jingjintang Expressway to go further east.
The 4th Ring Road is not a perfect circle. It is rectangular. It has 147 bridges and viaducts. The road is 65.3 kilometers long.
The eastern part of the 4th Ring Road opened around October 1, 1999. It ran from Siyuan Bridge to Shibalidian. It was the first 8-lane expressway section.
In June 2001, the entire 4th Ring Road became an expressway. In 2004, the speed limit became 80 km/h. The minimum speed was 50 km/h.
In September 2004, the 4th Ring Road got new signs. Exit numbers became consistent. The old signs mixed Hanyu Pinyin and English confusing drivers.
Shibalidian connects to the Jingjintang Expressway. It links Beijing to Tianjin. Shibalidian is part of a vital transportation network. It keeps Beijing moving.