建设者啃下“硬骨头”书写新的世界第一 打通天山为南疆北疆经济发展插上腾飞“翅膀”

Core Insights - The Tianshan Victory Tunnel, measuring 22.13 kilometers, has set a new world record for highway tunnel length, showcasing the capabilities of Chinese builders in overcoming challenging geological conditions and extreme environments [1][3]. Group 1: Construction Challenges and Innovations - The tunnel is located at an altitude of nearly 3000 meters in the Tianshan Mountains, characterized by harsh weather conditions, including temperatures as low as -42 degrees Celsius and a maximum burial depth of 1112 meters [3]. - Traditional excavation methods would require at least 10 years to complete the tunnel, but a new "three-tunnel" approach was developed, which includes a service tunnel to facilitate faster progress [5][7]. - The use of advanced technology and equipment, such as a hard rock tunneling machine (TBM), was crucial for the project's success, especially when encountering difficult geological formations [8][10]. Group 2: Project Timeline and Impact - The Tianshan Victory Tunnel is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, significantly reducing travel time across the Tianshan Mountains and altering the development landscape between southern and northern Xinjiang [15]. - The tunnel is a key component of the G0711 Urumqi to Ruoqiang National Highway, enhancing connectivity with multiple highways and contributing to the establishment of the Eurasian Golden Passage [15][19]. - The Urumqi to Ruoqiang Highway will facilitate efficient transportation between major economic zones, lowering logistics costs and promoting resource exchange between northern and southern Xinjiang [17][22].