(BEIJING, November 6) -- The final section of the 28.5km rail linking Beijing International Capital Airport and downtown Dongzhimen was laid on Tuesday, shortening the distance to 16 minutes after the project is completed next July.

Starting from Dongzhimen, a transport hub in east Beijing, the subway line passes Sanyuanqiao Station to reach the second and third terminals of the airport.

Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao are underground stations, with the former as deep as 13 meters below the current station of subway line No.13. Passengers at Dongzhimen station can transfer to subway line No.13 and No.2. At Sangyuanqiao station, transfer will be made available to the subway line No. 10 now under construction.¡¡The surface section of the airport line amounts to 23km.

The new line, designed for a speed of 100km/h, is expected to help relieve traffic congestion between Beijing's urban area and the airport.