A new 10-kilometer subway loop line is currently being built in Beijing to link key Olympic venues, including the National Stadium or "Bird's Nest" and National Swimming Center or "Water Cube."

An official working on construction for the Beijing 2008 Olympics, Xu Bo, said the new line would alleviate traffic flow near the Olympic venues.

Speaking on City Management Radio on Sunday, he announced that the new underground line would be open to the public upon completion. He further added that traffic conditions had been considered throughout the construction process of the sports venues, particularly for those located in urban areas.

As for profit-making from investment in the Olympics, he revealed that the houses in the Olympic Village were built based on commercial building standards. Currently, eight buildings containing close to 200 apartments have been sold. This situation is similar to that of the Media Village, where the facilities for reporters will be removed and the houses sold after the Games.

He announced that the main Olympic venues, namely the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, are expected to open to visitors when the Games end, with detailed plans under review by relevant departments.

(CRI February 6, 2007)