Core Viewpoint - The Urumqi to Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture Weili County expressway, known as the Wuyi Expressway, will officially open on December 26, 2025, significantly improving transportation between northern and southern Xinjiang [1][4]. Group 1: Project Overview - The Wuyi Expressway spans a total length of 324.7 kilometers, featuring the challenging 22.13-kilometer Victory Tunnel that cuts through the Tianshan Mountains [4][20]. - The construction of the expressway began in April 2020 and took 5 years and 8 months to complete [1][4]. Group 2: Engineering Innovations - The Victory Tunnel was constructed using a unique "three-tunnel and four-shaft" method, which differs from traditional dual-tunnel excavation techniques [7][9]. - Two specialized hard rock tunnel boring machines (TBMs), named "Tianshan" and "Victory," were utilized, each with a cutter head diameter of 8.43 meters [12][32]. Group 3: Construction Achievements - The construction period for the tunnel was reduced from 72 months to 52 months, setting a new record for similar highway tunnel projects [15][43]. - The deepest vertical shaft of the Victory Tunnel reaches 707 meters, making it the world's deepest highway vertical shaft [27][29]. Group 4: Economic and Social Impact - The Wuyi Expressway will reduce travel time from Urumqi to Korla from 7 hours to 3.5 hours, enhancing the efficiency of agricultural product transportation and tourism [20][22]. - The expressway is expected to facilitate the rapid delivery of fresh produce to urban markets and improve access to diverse regional experiences for tourists [20][22].

Core Viewpoint - The completion of the Urumqi to Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture Weili County expressway (Uwei Expressway) marks a significant infrastructure achievement, breaking through the natural barrier of the Tianshan Mountains and greatly reducing travel time between regions [1][14]. Group 1: Project Overview - The Uwei Expressway, with a total length of 324.7 kilometers, will officially open on December 26, 2025, after 5 years and 8 months of construction that began in April 2020 [1][2]. - The project includes the construction of the 22.13-kilometer Victory Tunnel, which significantly reduces travel time from 3 hours to just 20 minutes [2][14]. Group 2: Construction Techniques - The construction utilized a unique "three-tunnel" and "four-vertical shaft" method, which differs from traditional dual-tunnel excavation techniques, allowing for simultaneous work on multiple fronts [4][10]. - Two specialized hard rock tunnel boring machines (TBMs), named "Tianshan" and "Victory," were employed, each with a cutter head diameter of 8.43 meters, designed to tackle the challenging geological conditions [8][23]. Group 3: Achievements and Innovations - The construction period for the tunnel was reduced from 72 months to 52 months, setting a new record for similar highway tunnel projects [10][33]. - The Victory Tunnel is noted for being the world's deepest highway vertical shaft at 707 meters, equivalent to 236 stories [20][18]. Group 4: Economic and Social Impact - The Uwei Expressway will halve the driving time from Urumqi to Korla from 7 hours to 3.5 hours, enhancing the transportation of agricultural products and boosting tourism [14][16]. - The expressway is expected to facilitate the rapid delivery of fresh produce to urban markets, improving the overall logistics and economic connectivity between northern and southern Xinjiang [14][16].

Core Viewpoint - The completion of the Urumqi-Weili Highway (G0711) represents a significant engineering achievement, breaking through the natural barrier of the Tianshan Mountains and greatly improving transportation between northern and southern Xinjiang [1][4][16] Group 1: Project Overview - The Urumqi-Weili Highway spans a total length of 324.7 kilometers, with the most challenging section being the 22.13-kilometer Victory Tunnel [4][6] - The construction of the tunnel reduces travel time from 3 hours to just 20 minutes, significantly enhancing connectivity [2][4] Group 2: Construction Techniques - The project utilized a "three-tunnel and four-shaft" method, which involved creating three parallel tunnels and four auxiliary shafts for ventilation and other services [6][11] - Two custom-built hard rock tunnel boring machines, named "Tianshan" and "Victory," were employed, each with a cutter head diameter of 8.43 meters [8][11] Group 3: Efficiency and Innovation - The construction adopted a "long tunnel short strike" strategy, allowing for simultaneous excavation of multiple sections, which reduced the construction period from 72 months to 52 months, setting a new record for similar projects [11][12] - The project also incorporated scenic viewpoints along the route to enhance the travel experience, transforming a 20-minute drive into a visual journey through diverse landscapes [11][12] Group 4: Economic and Cultural Impact - Once operational, the highway will cut travel time between Urumqi and Korla from 7 hours to 3.5 hours, facilitating faster transportation of agricultural products and boosting local tourism [14][16] - The improved connectivity will allow for a more efficient distribution of fresh produce, enhancing the overall economic landscape of the region [14][16]