On December 30, China marked the completion of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world’s longest expressway tunnel at 22.13 kilometers. Located in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, it will drastically reduce travel time through the Tianshan Mountains from three hours to 20 minutes. This tunnel enhances connectivity between northern and southern Xinjiang, supporting economic growth and access to Eurasian markets. Constructed amid challenging conditions, it highlights China’s commitment to innovative infrastructure development and ecological sustainability.
On December 30, China celebrated a significant milestone with the completion of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, hailed as the world’s longest expressway tunnel. Nestled in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, this impressive structure spans 22.13 kilometers and is set to transform travel across the Tianshan Mountains, a major geographical feature. As reported by the South China Morning Post, the tunnel will enhance connectivity between northern and southern Xinjiang, fostering economic growth and accessibility.
Here are ten key highlights of this remarkable achievement:
1. Historic Completion: The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel was officially completed on December 30, solidifying its status as the longest expressway tunnel in the world.
2. Length and Travel Efficiency: This 22.13-kilometer tunnel is poised to slash travel time through the Tianshan Mountains from three hours down to an astonishing 20 minutes.
3. Regional Connectivity: The tunnel is expected to significantly improve connections between northern and southern Xinjiang, facilitating access to Eurasian countries and aligning with the goals of the Silk Road Economic Belt.
4. Part of a Larger Project: Serving as a vital component of the 319.72-kilometer Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, the tunnel will reduce the travel time between Urumqi and Yuli County from seven hours to just over three hours. The expressway is anticipated to open in 2025.
5. Overcoming Challenges: Construction began in April 2020 and included overcoming substantial challenges, such as high-altitude work above 3,000 meters and navigating complex geological conditions.
6. Ecological Awareness: Building near the Tianshan No. 1 Glacier and Urumqi’s water source required rigorous adherence to ecological protection standards, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.
7. Innovative Techniques: This project marked a pioneering moment in China, utilizing a tunnel boring machine for road construction, which reduced the typical construction time from ten years to just over four years.
8. Design and Specifications: The tunnel features a dual-direction, four-lane layout with a speed limit of 100 km/h, situated in the remote and majestic Tianshan Mountains.
9. Dedication of Workers: More than 3,000 workers faced extreme low-oxygen, high-altitude conditions, successfully overcoming geological obstacles such as rock bursts and collapses.
10. Rapid Completion: Despite the adverse conditions, the tunnel was completed in an impressive 52 months, significantly faster than the conventional 72-month timeline.
This monumental project not only symbolizes engineering prowess but also represents a leap forward in regional connectivity and economic integration, showcasing China's commitment to infrastructure development.
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