Core Insights - The congestion at the Su Tong Bridge during the Golden Week holiday highlights the ongoing challenges faced by key river crossing channels in the Yangtze River Delta region [1][4] - The surge in private car ownership is identified as the fundamental cause of congestion, with the number of vehicles in Jiangsu province increasing from 14.58 million in 2010 to 27.66 million in 2024, a nearly 100% growth [4][5] - The existing road network is unable to accommodate the rising traffic demand, leading to frequent congestion during peak travel periods [5][6] Traffic Flow and Infrastructure - The Su Tong Bridge has a designed capacity of 80,000 vehicles per day, but actual daily traffic averages between 90,000 to 100,000 vehicles, with holiday traffic peaking at 140,000 to 150,000 vehicles [5] - The overall highway mileage in Jiangsu has only increased by less than 30% during the same period, exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance [4][5] - The lack of alternative routes further intensifies congestion, as the Su Tong Bridge remains the most efficient route for many travelers [6][7] Special Factors Contributing to Congestion - Additional pressures during this year's Golden Week include increased rainfall leading to slower driving speeds, construction-related traffic restrictions on connecting highways, and the overlap of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays [8] - The potential for traffic accidents during high-volume periods can create chain reactions, significantly increasing congestion and complicating traffic management [8] Emergency Measures and Future Developments - Local authorities have implemented emergency measures to manage traffic flow, including increased police presence and the use of real-time monitoring systems to facilitate quick responses to incidents [9] - Future infrastructure developments, such as the second Su Tong crossing expected to begin construction in 2025, aim to alleviate traffic pressure on existing channels [7]