Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, at 22KM it’s the world’s longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic now. It will drastically reduce travel time between Ürümqi and Yuli or Korla. Built over 5 years, it cost about $3.8 billion.

Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, at 22KM it’s the world’s longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic now. It will drastically reduce travel time between Ürümqi and Yuli or Korla. Built over 5 years, it cost about $3.8 billion.

Title: World’s Longest Expressway Tunnel Opens: Tianshan Shengli Tunnel Slashes Travel Time in Xinjiang

Meta Description: The 22km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, now the world’s longest expressway tunnel, officially opens in China’s Xinjiang. Cut travel times between Ürümqi, Korla & Yuli with this $3.8B engineering marvel.

H1: Tianshan Shengli Tunnel: World’s Longest Expressway Tunnel Opens, Revolutionizing Travel in Xinjiang

China’s Xinjiang region has unveiled the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, a 22-kilometer-long engineering triumph that now holds the title of the world’s longest expressway tunnel. Officially opened to traffic after five years of construction and an investment of $3.8 billion, this tunnel cuts through the rugged Tianshan Mountains, slashing travel times between the regional capital Ürümqi and southern hubs like Yuli and Korla by up to 70%.

Here’s why the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel is a game-changer for transportation in Western China.

H2: Breaking Records & Barriers: Key Facts About the Tunnel

• Length: 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) – surpassing Norway’s Lærdal Tunnel (24.5km) as the world’s longest road tunnel for expressways.
• Location: Crosses the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, China’s vast western region.
• Cost: Approximately 31.9 billion yuan ($3.8 billion USD).
• Construction Time: Built in just 5 years, overcoming extreme geological challenges.
• Purpose: Part of the Ürümqi-Yuli Expressway (G0711), linking northern and southern Xinjiang.

H2: Travel Time Slashed: Ürümqi to Korla in 3 Hours (Down from 12!)

Before the tunnel’s opening, drivers faced a grueling 12-hour journey navigating steep mountain passes to travel between Ürümqi and Korla. Now, the tunnel reduces the trip to a mere 3 hours, unlocking drastic efficiencies for:

• Tourists exploring Xinjiang’s Silk Road sites (e.g., Tianchi Lake, Tarim Basin).
• Logistics & Trade between Central Asia and China’s inland markets.
• Local Communities accessing healthcare, education, and jobs across Xinjiang.

H2: Engineering Marvel: How Builders Conquered the Tianshan Mountains

Constructing a tunnel through the Tianshan Mountains—a seismically active zone with glaciers, fault lines, and high altitudes—required groundbreaking innovation:

• Safety First: Advanced ventilation, fireproofing, and emergency exits every 500 meters.
• Extreme Conditions: Workers battled -30°C winters, high winds, and crushing rock pressure.
• Cutting-Edge Tech: AI monitoring systems and tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) drilled through unstable rock.

“This tunnel defies geography. It’s a lifeline for Xinjiang’s economy.” – Infrastructure Analyst

H2: Economic & Strategic Impact

The tunnel accelerates Xinjiang’s role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):

1. Trade Boost: Faster cargo movement from Kashgar’s ports to Central Asia/Europe.
2. Tourism Growth: Easier access to Xinjiang’s deserts, grasslands, and ethnic culture spots.
3. Regional Integration: Bridges development gaps between northern and southern Xinjiang.

H2: What Travelers & Businesses Need to Know

• Speed Limit: 100 km/h (60 mph) for safe, efficient transit.
• Toll Fees: Not yet announced, but likely offset by time/fuel savings.
• Future Plans: Part of a 320km expressway network launching by 2025.

Conclusion: A Tunnel Reshaping Xinjiang’s Future
The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel isn’t just a feat of engineering—it’s a catalyst for prosperity in one of China’s most remote regions. By turning mountain barriers into highways, Xinjiang is poised to emerge as a cornerstone of Eurasian connectivity.

Keywords for SEO:
World’s longest expressway tunnel, Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, Xinjiang travel, Ürümqi to Korla, China Belt and Road Initiative, Tianshan Mountains tunnel, longest road tunnel, Ürümqi-Yuli Expressway, Xinjiang tourism, Silk Road infrastructure.

Image Alt Text Suggestions:

• Tianshan Shengli Tunnel entrance amid snow-capped peaks.
• 3D map showing Ürümqi-Korla route before and after the tunnel.
• Engineers inspecting the tunnel’s advanced safety systems.

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