Construction of the first desert-crossing expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region is underway.

The S21 Altay-Urumqi expressway, linking Altay Prefecture and the regional capital city of Urumqi, will stretch some 343 kilometers, with sections of more than 150 kilometers running through the desert.

The expressway is expected to be completed this year and will cut travel times between Altay and Urumqi by about three hours, facilitating economic development in regions along the route.