China's traffic jam, which has lasted a full 10 days and is expected to last weeks, is being blamed on highway roadwork, compounded by minor accidents and a few breakdowns.

A 62 mile traffic jam on a highway leading into Beijing has now entered its ninth day, and there is no hope for relief in sight.

The Chinese government has sent 400 traffic police officers to the scene to maintain order and to prevent further accidents.

Thousands of trucks are packed nose to tail for more than 60 miles in a 10-day traffic jam northwest of Beijing that makes even the most trying morning commute in the US look like a breeze.

At least some drivers have complained that roadside vendors have increased their prices to take advantage of the traffic jam. One truck driver said he bought instant noodles from one vendor for four times the original price.


A spokesman for the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau reportedly told China's Global Times newspaper that the backup was due to insufficient traffic capacity … caused by maintenance construction.

China has extended its reputation for gigantism into a new field with what must be the longest traffic jam in the world.

tags: Longest, Traffic, Jam, China.