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The world's longest highway tunnel is being created by China in the mountains — a feat that has left even American engineers in awe!

Written by Deborah Araújo
Published 12/08/2024 às 11:27
The world's longest highway tunnel is being created by China in the mountains — a feat that has left even American engineers in awe!
Photo: DALL-E

The world's longest road tunnel, built by China, will cross mountains and become an essential route for transporting goods, with an estimated annual cargo volume of 20 million tons.

China is about to accomplish an incredible feat that will revolutionize connectivity in Central Asia: the construction of the longest road tunnel in the world. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, with impressive 22,1 km long, promises to transform the way people travel and do business in the region. This China highway tunnel is not only a marvel of modern engineering, but also a strategic move to strengthen Chinese economic power in Asia.

Discover the longest road tunnel in the world: Tianshan Shengli

With an estimated cost of 26,8 billion Yuan (approximately 3,8 billion dollars), the Tianshan Shengli will be the longest road tunnel in the world when completed. Located in Xinjiang, it will cross the imposing Tianshan mountains, connecting the north and south of the region.

This new route will be part of the larger Urumqi-Yuli highway, which will stretch for 277 km. The impact of this work will be felt throughout Central Asia, as facilitate the Services and reduce travel time.

Building the world's longest road tunnel is no simple task. The extreme conditions of the Tianshan mountainous region, with temperatures reaching -23 ° C and glacial terrain, represent considerable challenges.

To address these difficulties, the Chinese engineering team is using cutting-edge technologies, including a 10.000 ton tunnel boring machine (TBM). This construction giant was specially designed to handle the difficult terrain and harsh conditions, ensuring the project progresses as planned.

China's road tunnel will provide economic leap in the region

When the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel is fully operational, it will not only will reduce travel time from Urumqi to Korla from over 7 hours to just 3 hours, but will also boost the local economy.

China's highway tunnel will become an essential route for the transport of goods, with an annual cargo volume estimated at 20 million tons. This connection will strengthen trade ties between Xinjiang and Central Asian countries, placing China in a prominent position on the global stage.

Tianshan Shengli is more than a road tunnel; and a key piece in China's strategy to expand its influence in Central Asia. Xinjiang, which borders eight countries, plays a prominent role in China's Belt and Road initiative.

By improving infrastructure and facilitating trade in the region, the city's road tunnel China will help consolidate its economic and geopolitical presence in the area. China is investing not just in highways, but also in future ones rail connections which will further increase the country's reach.

Geopolitical challenges and the future of Xinjiang

While the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel is a major victory for China, it also highlights the geopolitical tensions surrounding Xinjiang. The region has been a flashpoint between China and the West, especially over human rights issues.

However, the China is determined to continue developing Xinjiang as an economic hub, with plans to turn it into a free trade zone. The world's longest highway tunnel is just the beginning of a series of projects aimed at consolidating Xinjiang's strategic position and boosting the region's economic growth.

China's new underpass is an impressive example of how the country is using its expertise in engineering to build the longest road tunnel in the world.

This project not only improves connectivity and trade in Central Asia, but also strengthens China's position as a global economic power. With technical challenges overcome by cutting-edge innovations, China's road tunnel promises to be a game-changer for the region and the world.

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Deborah Araújo

I write about renewable energy, automobiles, science and technology, industry and the main trends in the job market. With a close eye on global developments and daily updates, I am dedicated to always sharing relevant information.

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