China has opened the world’s longest expressway tunnel, setting a new global record. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, which measures 22.13 kilometres, now serves public traffic in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
As a result, a journey that once took nearly seven hours now takes just 20 minutes.
Major Boost to Northwest China Connectivity
The tunnel officially opened on December 26. It cuts through the central Tianshan mountain range, one of the region’s toughest terrains. Therefore, travel between northern and southern Xinjiang has become faster and safer.
Earlier, drivers faced winding roads and extreme weather. Now, the tunnel provides a reliable year-round route.
Key Part of Urumqi–Yuli Expressway
The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel forms a vital link in the G0711 Urumqi–Yuli Expressway. This highway connects Urumqi in the north with Yuli in the south. Consequently, long-distance travel time has dropped sharply.
In addition, the tunnel stands at an altitude of more than 3,000 metres, making it a major engineering achievement.
Advanced Design and Safety Features
Engineers designed the tunnel with two parallel tubes. Each tube carries two lanes of traffic. As a result, vehicles can move smoothly in both directions.
Moreover, the project includes modern ventilation, lighting, and emergency systems. These features ensure safety inside the tunnel at all times.
Auxiliary Tunnel Also Opened
On the same day, authorities opened an auxiliary tunnel on the expressway. This further improves links between urban areas in Xinjiang. Therefore, regional connectivity has received a strong boost.
Economic and Regional Impact
With the tunnel in service, transport costs are set to fall. At the same time, trade and tourism will grow. Experts believe the project will also create new economic opportunities.
Overall, the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel marks a major step in China’s infrastructure development. It also highlights the country’s ability to build world-class projects in extreme terrain.
