The Traffic Jam That Lasted 12 Days . In August 2010, China witnessed one of the most astonishing traffic incidents in human history — a massive gridlock on National Highway 110 that stretched over 100 kilometers (62 miles) and lasted a mind-numbing 12 days. This wasn’t just a typical traffic jam; it became a symbol of the country’s rapid industrial growth colliding with infrastructure limitations.
The chaos began when an unexpected surge in coal shipments flooded the highway, primarily due to overloaded trucks heading to Beijing from Inner Mongolia. At the same time, ongoing road maintenance reduced the highway’s capacity by 50%, creating a perfect storm of congestion. With nowhere to go and no way to turn back, thousands of vehicles crawled forward at an excruciating pace — advancing as little as 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) per day.
As days passed, the situation on the road worsened. Stranded drivers endured scorching summer heat, limited access to basic necessities, and severe fatigue. Taking advantage of the crisis, local vendors set up roadside stalls, charging inflated prices — 15 yuan (roughly $2.20) for a bottle of water and three times the normal price for instant noodles and snacks. What started as an inconvenience quickly turned into a survival scenario for many.
Authorities eventually stepped in, rerouting cargo trucks and deploying additional workers to accelerate road repairs. Through continuous efforts, they managed to dissolve the gridlock after nearly two weeks of slow-moving chaos.
This event wasn’t just a logistical nightmare — it was a wake-up call. It highlighted the challenges China faced in balancing rapid economic expansion with sustainable infrastructure development. The 2010 traffic jam remains the longest ever recorded in history and serves as a case study for urban planners and governments worldwide.
What would you do stuck in traffic for 12 days? Hopefully, not rely on overpriced noodles and warm water.The Traffic Jam That Lasted 12 Days
