The widening and resurfacing of Beijing's main road artery, Chang'an Avenue, was officially completed Tuesday, more than a month ahead of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Workers have repaired and repaved about 12 kilometers of the road that runs across the northern edge of the Tian'anmen Square, where a massive military parade is set to be held on October 1 for the National Day celebration, said Li Xiaosong, vice director of the city's traffic commission.

The west-east road was widened to a 10-lane road that carries much of the cross-town traffic, with old paving slabs replaced and access facilities for the disabled improved during the five-month makeover.

The avenue received its last face-lift in 1999 for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of PRC.

The road needed to be repaired and strengthened again as cracks were found on the road surface and many drainage facilities were worn, Liu said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2009)