Core Points - The G0711 Urumqi to Yili Expressway has officially opened on December 26, after over five years of construction, significantly reducing the driving time from Urumqi to Korla from 7 hours to 3.5 hours [1] - The expressway is a key part of the national expressway network, with a total length of 324.7 kilometers, featuring 12 interchanges, 17 tunnels, and numerous bridges and culverts [1] - The Tian Shan Victory Tunnel, a critical engineering project within the expressway, is 22.13 kilometers long and has set two world records: the longest highway tunnel and the deepest vertical shaft for a highway [1]

Core Viewpoint - The G0711 Urumqi to Yili Expressway (referred to as "U-Y Expressway") will begin trial operations on January 1, 2026, significantly improving transportation connectivity between northern and southern Xinjiang [1]. Group 1: Project Overview - The U-Y Expressway spans 324.7 kilometers, featuring 274 bridges and 17 tunnels, with the starting point at the Urumqi city ring road and the endpoint in Yili County, Bazhou [3]. - Travel time from Urumqi to Korla will be reduced from 7 hours to 3.5 hours, transforming the transportation landscape and facilitating day trips and weekend travel [3]. Group 2: Engineering Achievements - The Tian Shan Victory Tunnel, a key project in the middle section, is 22.13 kilometers long and holds two world records: the "longest highway tunnel" and the "deepest vertical shaft in a highway tunnel" [5]. - The construction integrates advanced technologies in long tunnel design, construction, smart building, and operational safety, providing a "Chinese solution" for the successful construction and safe operation of long tunnels [5]. Group 3: Economic Impact - The U-Y Expressway connects the Urumqi metropolitan area, northern Xinjiang urban belt, and southern Xinjiang urban cluster, enhancing resource exchange and circulation between these regions [7]. - As part of the national expressway network G7, it links with major highways like G7 Jingxin Expressway and G30 Lianhuo Expressway, playing a crucial role in the development of the Eurasian Golden Passage and serving as a gateway for western openness [7].

Core Viewpoint - The G0711 Urumqi to Yili Expressway, which took over five years to construct, officially opened on December 26, significantly reducing travel time between Urumqi and Korla from approximately 7 hours to about 3 hours, with the Tianshan Victory Tunnel being a key feature of this project [1][21]. Infrastructure and Design - The Tianshan Victory Tunnel, measuring 22.13 kilometers, is the longest highway tunnel in the world, designed to enhance safety and comfort for drivers [1][8]. - The tunnel incorporates innovative design elements to address the "black and white hole effect," using semi-transparent materials at entrances to ease light transitions and improve driving safety [6][8]. - The tunnel features a unique environmental design with three functional segments, showcasing the diverse landscapes of Xinjiang, which helps reduce visual fatigue for drivers [10][12]. Safety and Monitoring - The tunnel is equipped with advanced monitoring systems, including 1,000 cameras and 50,000 control devices, ensuring real-time surveillance and rapid response to emergencies [11][17]. - In case of incidents, the system can automatically detect and report issues, allowing for quick coordination with emergency services [11][12]. - The tunnel includes 81 pedestrian escape routes and 30 vehicle escape routes, with emergency response teams stationed to ensure timely assistance [17][19]. Economic Impact - The expressway is expected to boost the logistics and transportation industry by improving road conditions, reducing costs, and increasing operational efficiency for transport companies [22][23]. - The new highway facilitates faster access for perishable agricultural products from southern Xinjiang to larger markets, enhancing income opportunities for local farmers [22][23]. - The expressway is a critical component of Xinjiang's transportation network, promoting regional economic development and connectivity between northern and southern Xinjiang [24][25].

Group 1 - A series of new high-speed rail and highway projects have been launched in China, enhancing transportation convenience and logistics efficiency, thereby accelerating economic development [1] - The Xi'an to Yan'an high-speed railway officially opened on the 26th, marking the entry of the Shaanxi revolutionary area into the high-speed rail era, with a total length of 299 kilometers and a design speed of 350 km/h, reducing travel time to 68 minutes [1] - The Hangzhou to Quzhou high-speed railway also commenced operations, connecting Hangzhou and Quzhou with a total length of 131 kilometers and a design speed of 350 km/h, allowing travel in as little as 73 minutes [3] Group 2 - The Wuhan to Yichang segment of the Shanghai-Chongqing-Chengdu high-speed railway opened, creating a new rapid passenger transport corridor in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, with a total length of 314 kilometers and a design speed of 350 km/h, reducing travel time to 69 minutes [5][6] - The Urumqi to Yili highway was completed after over five years of construction, significantly improving transportation between northern and southern Xinjiang, with travel time reduced from 7 hours to 3.5 hours [8] - Two highways in Yunnan, the Mouding to Yuanmou and the Yongping to Changning (Dali section), were also opened, enhancing connectivity in the region [9][12]