China Completes Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, World's Longest Expressway at 22.13 Kilometers, Reducing Travel Time to 20 Minutes

Dec 30, 2024, 05:36 AM

The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, measuring 22.13 kilometers, has been completed in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, marking it as the world's longest expressway tunnel. The tunneling was finalized on December 30, 2024, after 52 months of construction. This infrastructure development will significantly enhance connectivity between the southern and northern regions of Xinjiang, reducing travel time across the Tianshan Mountains from approximately seven hours to just 20 minutes. The tunnel is designed for a speed of 100 kilometers per hour and features a separated dual four-lane configuration, making it suitable for high-altitude and cold weather conditions.