Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge

​The Tourism in Wuhan and the Policy Changes of the Yangtze River Bridge

Wuhan has now become a popular tourist city, and the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, a must - visit spot in Wuhan, has undergone remarkable changes over the past 60 years. It has transformed from a vital transportation artery into an Internet - famous check - in place. Let's take a look at the interesting policy changes of the Yangtze River Bridge over these 60 years.
 
In 1957, when the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge was first completed, it was the core passage connecting the three towns of Wuhan. At that time, only cars and buses were allowed on the bridge. What about non - motor vehicles and pedestrians? It was really a headache. The traffic management was extremely strict. Penalties for behaviors such as speeding and illegal parking were very severe.
 
In the 1990s, as Wuhan began to develop, sidewalks were added to the bridge. Tourists could then walk on the bridge for a visit. However, non - motor vehicles were still not permitted on the bridge. The speed limit at that time was 60 kilometers per hour, which ensured both traffic efficiency and safety.
 
In 2010, tourism in Wuhan boomed, and there were more and more tourists. Some unruly phenomena began to appear on the bridge. For example, tourists rode bicycles on the bridge, crossed the road randomly, and even stopped cars for photos. They did all the things that Wuhan locals never dared to do. Although the traffic department strengthened law enforcement, the effect was limited.
 
In 2023, a non - motor vehicle lane was officially marked on the bridge (with a speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour). Bicycles and electric vehicles are now allowed on the bridge, which facilitates tourists' sightseeing by riding. The speed limit for motor vehicles has been reduced from 60 kilometers per hour to 40 kilometers per hour, aiming to reduce conflicts with non - motor vehicles and comprehensive risks. Although some warning signs and monitoring devices have been added, the actual law enforcement is still somewhat flexible. Many people say that with a speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour, cars are even slower than electric vehicles.
 
I think that since Wuhan has now become a popular tourist city and the Yangtze River Bridge is a landmark, it is understandable that tourists want to experience it up close. However, the bridge is no longer just a transportation hub; it also has to take on some cultural and tourism functions. How can we meet the experience needs of tourists while ensuring the travel needs of local residents? I think we can set up some temporary restricted traffic areas or night - time sightseeing periods, like the Bund in Shanghai, and manage it in different time periods. For example, during peak holiday periods, the speed limit can be 40 kilometers per hour, and during off - peak periods, it can be 60 kilometers per hour. In this way, both sides can be satisfied without any delay. What do you think?