The Shanghai municipal government allotted 170 billion yuan ($25 billion) on urban facilities in 2009, an all-time high, as the city gears up preparation for the upcoming World Expo.

The building spectacular includes a grand subway hub and a face-lift on the historical bund, said Huang Rong, a top official on urban development and traffics, Xinhua reported.

The official apologized to Shanghai residents for the inconvenience due to the construction work, and he also emphasized the urban makeover’s long term benefits.