In a remarkable feat of engineering and speed, China has successfully completed the world’s widest underwater roadway tunnel beneath the Yellow River in a record-breaking 110 days, setting a new global benchmark for infrastructure development.
The tunnel, part of the Jinan Huanggang Road Tunnel Project, boasts a 17-meter diameter and will accommodate six lanes of traffic—three in each direction—offering seamless, high-speed connectivity between the north and south regions of Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province.
The underwater section, stretching 3.3 kilometers, was built using the world’s largest tunnel boring machine (TBM) known as “Shanhe”, developed specifically for this ambitious project. Operating nearly 30 meters below the riverbed, the machine broke records by advancing up to 18 meters per day, completing the massive undertaking with unprecedented speed and precision.
“This is not just a tunnel; it’s a symbol of what is possible with advanced planning, technology, and determination,” said a spokesperson for the China Railway 14th Bureau Group, which oversaw the construction.
The tunnel’s completion is expected to significantly reduce travel time across the Yellow River and support the development of Jinan’s new economic zones, enhancing regional trade, transport, and urban connectivity.
With safety and sustainability at its core, the tunnel features advanced waterproofing systems, earthquake resistance, and automated traffic monitoring, making it a model for future infrastructure projects globally.
China’s achievement has drawn international attention, highlighting its rapid strides in mega-project execution and its growing leadership in smart infrastructure. The full tunnel system is slated to open to the public later in 2025.
