The world’s longest expressway tunnel, the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, has completed boring in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, marking a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure development.
The tunnel, stretching 22.13 kilometers beneath the Tianshan Mountains, is a key component of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway. Upon completion, it will reduce the time to traverse the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains from several hours to approximately 20 minutes, greatly enhancing connectivity between northern and southern Xinjiang.
Set to open in 2025, the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway will link Urumqi, the regional capital in northern Xinjiang, with Yuli County in the south. Once operational, the expressway will cut the driving time between the two locations from about seven hours to just over three hours, fostering economic integration and promoting regional development.
Currently, National Highway 216 serves as the connection between Urumqi and Korla, spanning approximately 470 kilometers with an estimated driving time of around seven hours. Limited transportation options, including only two bus services per day, have posed challenges for travelers and businesses alike.
The new expressway, featuring the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, is expected to significantly improve travel efficiency, creating new opportunities for local transportation and tourism. The enhanced route will facilitate easier access to the scenic landscapes of the Tianshan Mountains and contribute to the socioeconomic growth of Xinjiang.
Reference(s):
Boring of world's longest expressway tunnel completed in Xinjiang
cgtn.com
