China Completes World’s Longest Expressway Tunnel, Redefining Connectivity

China has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the completion of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world’s longest expressway tunnel. Stretching an impressive 22.13 kilometers, this marvel slices through the towering Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, significantly reducing travel time between northern and southern Xinjiang. What once required three hours now takes a mere 20 minutes, promising economic and infrastructural growth for the region.

Designed as part of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, the tunnel operates at an elevation of 3,000 meters, featuring a two-way, four-lane structure with a speed limit of 100 km/h. This project is not just about speed; it symbolizes the next step in innovation, breaking foreign monopolies in advanced tunnel construction technologies.

Initiated in April 2020 and completed ahead of schedule in December 2024, the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel faced unique challenges. The construction team worked in extreme conditions, dealing with high altitudes and maintaining ecological integrity near sensitive areas like the Tianshan No. 1 Glacier. Despite these obstacles, the team adhered to stringent environmental standards, ensuring sustainable development alongside infrastructural growth.

The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel is poised to revolutionize Xinjiang's connectivity by bridging northern and southern regions. It will foster enhanced trade, create job opportunities, and strengthen China's Silk Road Economic Belt initiative by connecting Xinjiang with Eurasian countries. Scheduled to open for public use in 2025, the tunnel exemplifies the fusion of engineering brilliance and sustainable development.