Beijing seeks to limit flooding under flyovers

The water discharge systems of all new and existing flyovers should be updated to prevent damage from water pooling under the flyover after torrential rains during Beijing's flooding season, the city's urban planning authority said on Tuesday.

Based on the design code, water discharge systems including rainwater collectors should be improved to drain water quickly after torrential rain, and thus avoid severe damage such as that after a rainstorm hit the capital on July 21, 2012, the announcement from Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning said.

"We will take measures to intercept the water at higher locations to stop it from flooding lower areas, which is a major reason for huge puddles under flyovers in Beijing," said an anonymous official from the commission.

The flyovers will have strict restrictions on the installation of underground water drainage pipes to prevent breakages during heavy rainfall.

Surveillance cameras will also be installed near flyovers to monitor water levels under them during heavy rain, the official said.