The entrance of the newly opened S42. [Photo/Baotou News]

The Baotou-Maoming Expressway Baotou West Connector Line (S42) opened to traffic on May 8, marking a significant milestone in Inner Mongolia's transportation infrastructure.

The S42, which spans 46.5 kilometers, is a major component of the region's expressway network and a priority project for Inner Mongolia's road development.

The route begins at Wulanji on the Beijing–Lhasa Expressway (G6), links with the G6 via the Hademen Interchange, turns southeast near Quanbatu, crosses the Yellow River, and ends at Shulinzhao South Interchange, where it connects with the Yellow River and S42 expressways.

The expressway was completed on December 31, 2024, and is now fully operational, enhancing the national and regional highway network.

S42 is opened to traffic on May 8. [Photo/Baotou News]

It is expected to play a key role in advancing the Hohhot-Baotou-Ordos-Yulin economic zone and the Hohhot-Baotou-Ordos urban cluster, improving the capacity and service of national transport corridors and significantly upgrading regional mobility.

The opening of the S42 will also relieve congestion on the urban section of National Highway 210, boost transportation efficiency in Baotou, support industrial growth in the city's western and southern industrial parks, and contribute to the high-quality development of the local economy.