China has taken another significant step in its ambitious infrastructure agenda by operating on Wednesday, 9, Jianghai, a giant excavator designed to excavate haitai Yangtze River Tunnel, the world’s largest roadblaim tunnel to be excavated with Tunnel Boring Machine (Tunnel Bornel) technology. The information was released by the State News Agency Xinhua.
At 145 meters long, 16.6 meters in diameter and weighing 5,000 tons, “Jianghai” will be responsible for digging 9,315 meters out of 11,185 km from the tunnel’s submerged stretch, which will connect the cities of Haimen in Jiangsu, Taicang, also located in the same province. The work will cross the Yangtzé River, the longest in China, and will have a total length of 39.07 km.
The project’s chief engineer, You Shaoqiang, said the tunnel will reach up to 75 meters deep, crossing challenging geological formations composed of silt and fine sand. These conditions require the excavator to support pressures up to 75 tons per square meter, which makes the construction process extremely complex.
State -of -the -art technology to overcome challenges
Jianghai was developed to face the technical challenges imposed by the work. The excavator uses a beefted head with a pressure equilibrium system, as well as intelligent sensors that monitor in real time the cutting of the cutters, optimizing the excavation.
The excavator also has a dual mud injection system that speeds up the excavation process and reduces the risk of equipment failures.
According to Meng Defeng, project manager TBM, the tunnel was designed with an innovative smoke extraction system, which aims to minimize the risks in case of fire.
In addition, the project includes rescue vehicle access tunnels, connected to the main tunnel by emergency runners, ensuring greater safety for workers and users of the future tunnel.
Project manager Chen Junwei stressed that the project also includes innovations in structural design and disaster prevention, as well as incorporating green technology and smart systems.
The tunnel was planned to be close to carbon neutrality, aligning with China’s efforts to develop sustainable infrastructure.
Regional Integration and Sustainable Development
Haitai Yangtze River Tunnel’s conclusion is scheduled for 2028, and its delivery is expected to reinforce connectivity in the Yangtzé Delta region, one of the world’s most dynamic economic areas.
You Shaoqiang has stated that the tunnel will play a key role in promoting regional integration and the impulse to the development of high quality in the region.
The project symbolizes China’s leadership in infrastructure engineering, using national technology to connect strategic regions and foster regional growth with sustainable and innovative solutions.
The construction of Haitai Yangtze River Tunnel also highlights the country’s technological advances in the field of construction, with the application of intelligent systems and environmentally responsible construction practices.
With this new milestone, China reinforces its position as a global leader in major infrastructure projects, combining technological innovations with a strategic approach to economic and regional development.
The completion of the tunnel should represent a significant advance for the integration of the Yangtzé Delta region and contribute to the strengthening of the Chinese economy, expanding the connectivity and efficiency of road transport among important economic centers in the country.
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2025/04/10/china-inicia-operacao-de-escavadora-gigante-para-construcao-de-maior-tunel-subaquatico-rodoviario-do-mundo/
