China sets global record with completion of world’s widest underwater roadway in just 110 days (Photos)
In a remarkable engineering feat, China has completed the world’s widest underwater roadway beneath the mighty Yellow River in just 110 days. The new tunnel, located in Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province, spans a staggering 17 meters (55.8 feet) in width and is designed to accommodate six lanes of traffic three in each direction.
This high-speed construction project broke global records for shield tunneling and was made possible by a state-of-the-art tunnel boring machine (TBM) dubbed “Shanhe.” Named after the Chinese words for “mountains and rivers,” the giant machine is one of the largest of its kind in the world. It carved its way beneath the Yellow River at an impressive daily rate of 16 to 18 meters, completing over 3 kilometers of the tunnel in just over three months.
Engineers faced significant challenges, including high water pressure, unstable sediment layers beneath the riverbed, and the need to protect the river’s ecology. Yet, with precision planning and cutting-edge machinery, they managed to complete the bore with no major disruptions. According to the lead engineers of the project, Shanhe operated continuously, using an advanced hydraulic system, ground pressure balancing techniques, and real-time monitoring systems to ensure structural safety and tunnel accuracy.
The tunnel is part of a broader infrastructure initiative to improve transportation efficiency in Eastern China, easing congestion on existing bridges and surface roads. Once fully operational, it will serve as a key artery connecting major industrial and residential zones of Jinan, reducing travel times and boosting regional economic activity.
Local officials hailed the project as not just a triumph of engineering, but also a model for future large-scale infrastructure endeavors. “The success of the Yellow River tunnel showcases China’s growing prowess in advanced civil engineering and rapid infrastructure deployment,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Transport.
The Shanhe TBM represents a growing trend in China’s use of mega-machinery for ambitious projects. With its 17-meter diameter, it ranks among the largest tunnel boring machines globally. It was custom-designed for the Yellow River project, capable of operating in high-risk hydrogeological environments with minimal environmental impact. Experts believe this project opens the door for more complex underwater infrastructure in China and beyond, including cross-sea tunnels, underground expressways, and high-speed rail networks beneath rivers and oceans.
As cities grow and natural obstacles like rivers and mountains continue to pose challenges to infrastructure development, China’s achievement under the Yellow River marks a turning point in what’s possible in tunnel engineering. The successful completion of the widest underwater tunnel in record time is expected to inspire similar projects around the world.
