The world’s longest motorway tunnel has officially opened, significantly reducing travel times for drivers in Xinjiang, China. The Tianshan Shengli (Victory) Tunnel, spanning approximately 22 kilometers (around 13.75 miles), was completed on December 26, 2023, as part of the £4.9 billion Urumqi-Yuli Expressway. This ambitious project cost around £3 billion and is expected to shorten the journey through the Tianshan Mountains from an arduous three hours to just 20 minutes.
The tunnel comprises two parallel tubes, each accommodating two lanes of traffic. This major infrastructure development not only facilitates quicker travel but also enhances connectivity between major urban centers in Xinjiang, specifically Urumqi and Korla. Previously, the journey between these cities could take over seven hours; it is now anticipated to take approximately three hours.
Engineering Marvel and Strategic Investment
Officials have described the tunnel’s completion as a significant engineering achievement and a strategic investment for the region. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, emphasized the impact of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway on regional connectivity, calling it a “major leap” for Xinjiang. Meanwhile, Xie Feng, China’s Ambassador to the United States, remarked that the nation is “making history once again” with this landmark project.
The tunnel faced numerous construction challenges, including high ground stress, seismic activity, and extreme weather conditions. It runs through diverse terrains, including glaciers, grasslands, and wetlands, crossing 16 geological fault zones. Notably, one section of the expressway includes 14 bridges and five tunnels.
The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel also sets two world records: it holds the title for the longest expressway tunnel globally and features the deepest vertical shaft for a highway tunnel. Song Hailiang, chairman of the China Communications Construction Company, highlighted these achievements, reinforcing the project’s significance.
Future Implications for Trade and Tourism
This new infrastructure is expected to bolster freight movement and tourism within Xinjiang, enhancing economic integration between northern and southern regions. The expressway connects to major economic hubs, including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
In contrast to this Chinese project, the UK government is also pursuing its ambitious infrastructure plans with the proposed Lower Thames Crossing. This project, estimated to cost around £9 billion, would feature Britain’s longest road tunnel, linking Tilbury in Essex to Medway in Kent and further enhancing transport links across the region.
The opening of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel marks a pivotal moment in transportation infrastructure, with significant implications for travel efficiency and economic activity in Xinjiang and beyond.
