Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the innovative "ground heating" snow melting system implemented on the Ma-Zhao section of the Le-Xi Expressway, which is designed to enhance road safety and efficiency during winter conditions, particularly during the busy Spring Festival travel period [1][4]. Group 1: Technology and Innovation - The Ma-Zhao section is the first expressway in the province to adopt a large-scale ground heating snow melting system, featuring a closed-loop system that includes sensors, decision-making, and execution components [1][2]. - The system utilizes heat pipes buried 15 centimeters below the road surface, which are heated to 50-60 degrees Celsius to maintain road temperatures between 1-2 degrees Celsius, effectively melting snow [2][3]. - The snow melting system can melt 20 centimeters of snow in 5 hours at -10 degrees Celsius, demonstrating high efficiency even in extreme weather conditions [3]. Group 2: Performance and Efficiency - The system's energy consumption is notably low, with an estimated usage of only 0.06 kilowatt-hours per square meter per hour, which is 65% more energy-efficient than traditional electric heating methods [3]. - The heat pipes have a lifespan of 30 years and can withstand up to 50 million truck passes without affecting road integrity, ensuring long-term operational reliability [3]. Group 3: Operational Strategy - The expressway is equipped with multi-functional snow removal vehicles and has established a four-tier emergency response plan for varying snow conditions, ensuring continuous monitoring and maintenance during the Spring Festival [4]. - As of February 8, the average traffic flow on the Ma-Zhao section exceeded 3,000 vehicles, indicating the system's importance in managing high traffic volumes during adverse weather [4].

Core Viewpoint - Beijing has initiated snow removal operations following its first snowfall of the winter season, with the Beijing Sanitation Group actively engaged in these efforts [1] Group 1: Equipment and Resources - The Beijing Sanitation Group has equipped a total of 2,520 snow removal vehicles, which includes 1,672 snow removal vehicles such as multifunctional snowplows, sweepers, and transport vehicles [1] - Additionally, there are 848 large snow removal devices, including rolling brushes, snow shovels, spreaders, and sidewalk snow removal machines [1] - The company has also prepared manual snow removal tools such as snow shovels and brooms to ensure comprehensive snow and ice removal operations [1]

Group 1 - The winter sports season in Liaoning Province officially commenced on December 7, with ski resorts opening across the region, indicating a growing interest in winter sports [1] - The provincial government aims to transform the ice and snow economy into a significant growth driver, targeting a total output value of approximately 190 billion yuan by 2027 and 250 billion yuan by 2030 [2] - The upcoming international snowboarding event in January 2026 will feature nearly 180 athletes from 19 countries, showcasing Liaoning as a host for major winter sports events [2] Group 2 - Over 120 ice and snow events are scheduled this winter, expected to attract around 500,000 participants, highlighting the increasing popularity of winter sports among the public [3] - The newly opened highways and improved infrastructure are enhancing accessibility to ski resorts, contributing to a rise in tourism and local economic activity [4] - The development of local tourism, including unique accommodations and dining experiences, is creating a vibrant winter tourism scene in previously quiet areas [6] Group 3 - The booming ice and snow economy is generating new opportunities for Liaoning's equipment manufacturing sector, with companies like Huachi Special Vehicle Manufacturing Co. seeing significant demand for multifunctional snow removal vehicles [6] - Liaoning's companies are innovating in the winter sports equipment market, producing advanced gear such as graphene heated ski clothing and multifunctional snow removal equipment, which are gaining traction both locally and nationally [6] - The collaboration between local manufacturers and winter sports events is strengthening the supply chain and enhancing the overall competitiveness of Liaoning's ice and snow industry [6]