Shandong province will build a modern, high-quality and comprehensive transport network during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), local officials announced during a recent news conference held by the Information Office of Shandong Provincial People's Government.

A high-speed train traverses through the rural areas in Binzhou, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/VCG]

By 2025, the province's transport network should be convenient, cost-effective, green, intelligent and safe, said Gao Liping, deputy director of Shandong Provincial Department of Transportation.

By 2025, 16 cities in Shandong will be connected to the high-speed railway network, counties in the province will be connected to at least two expressways, while villages, townships and towns will be accessible by paved roads, Gao said.

The province will continue to increase the supply of high-quality, rapid transport services and put in place the "123" network of passenger and logistics connections, added Gao. 

The "123" passenger access network refers to the one-hour intercity traffic circle connecting the provincial capital, Jiaodong and southern Shandong economic zones, a two-hour access to the province's 16 cities, and a three-hour access to the country's major cities.

The "123" logistics network means one-day delivery within the province, two-day delivery within China, and three-day delivery to major international cities.

By 2025, the province's high-speed (intercity) railway in operation as well as those under construction will reach 4,400 kilometers, the total length of highways in operation as well as those under construction will reach 10,000 kilometers, while 40,000 kilometers of rural roads will be constructed and upgraded.

The province will have 360 berths for 10,000-ton class vessels or above in coastal ports and 12 transportation airports by 2025.