Abstract:With the continuous advancement of the Yangtze River Delta and its integrated development with the Shanghai metropolitan region, the cross-regional expressway projects are increasing. It is necessary to analyze and study the planning and design essentials of the cross-regional expressways of the metropolitan region. Combined with the experience of the Shanghai Metropolitan Ring Expressway Jiashan Section Project, the planning and design essentials of metropolitan region expressway are summarized. During the preliminary planning phase, the focus should be on analyzing the planned regional location characteristics of cross-regional expressways to define the functional positioning and road property of the project, and to determine the technical standards for double-layer expressways in urban sections. In the design phase, it is essential to scientifically delineate the engineering interfaces, rationally select the technical indicators, compare and determine the construction forms, consider the urbanization service functions, optimize the subgrade and vertical alignment, coordinate the relocation and maintain the traffic procedures. Ultimately, a multi-functional composite passageway integrated with double-layer traffic, slow-traffic pedestrian and non-motored vehicle system, comprehensive landscape and pipeline facilities is formed.