Updated at 6.04pm: Shanghai recently started building the longest underwater tunnel in Asia, linking the mainland and Pudong Development Zone, which is on the opposite side of the Huangpu River.
The 2,880-metre-long tunnel, which aims to reduce traffic congestion during rush hour periods, should be completed in three years, Shanghai-based Jiefang Daily reported on Monday.
The section under the river will be 736 metres long and 33 metres below the water, according to Shi Qiaozhao, an engineer with a local design firm who is involved in the project.
The tunnel, which will be built using pre-fabricated concrete tubes, will be made up of three separate tunnels. In total, there will be eight lanes, Mr Shi told the newspaper.
Only vehicles will be allowed to use the tunnel, which will also use an advanced ventilation system that will limit emission build-up around the entrance and exit, according to Shi.
Officials hope the tunnel will give a boost to Pudong Development Zone, said the paper. The zone was set up in 1990 as part of the city's drive to attract foreign investment.