East China’s Jinan, the vibrant capital of Shandong Province, has accomplished a significant engineering feat. The largest-diameter underwater shield tunnel in the world has been finished by the crews working on the Jinan Huanggang Road Yellow River Crossing Tunnel. China’s expertise in advanced engineering and infrastructure development is demonstrated by this enormous undertaking.
The China Railway 14th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. has completed the 2-mile (3,290-meter) underwater portion of the 3.6-mile (5,755-meter) tunnel using the biggest tunnel boring machine (TBM) on the planet. This portion, which is made up of 500 pipe rings and has an astounding diameter of 55.8 feet (17 meters), sets a new record for tunnel dimensions worldwide. For comparison, the diameter of the public train tunnels of the Channel Tunnel is only roughly 25 feet (7.6 meters).
The Jinan Huanggang Tunnel, which spans the Yellow River, will feature six lanes of double-decker traffic with a 60 km/h (37 mph) speed limit. It is expected to enhance connectivity between Jinan’s main urban area and its rapidly developing economic zone.
This engineering feat was achieved with the Herrenknecht “Shanhe” Shield Machine, a mixshield TBM capable of excavating at a daily rate of 52.5 to 59 feet (16 to 18 meters). Boasting a 57.4-foot (17.5-meter) excavation diameter, the machine delivers 7,510 hp and nearly 26 million lb-ft of torque, ensuring smooth operations even under challenging conditions, including pressures of up to 15 bar.
The underwater segment was completed in just 110 days, setting another world record for construction speed in 17-meter-class tunneling. The cutting-edge technology minimizes risks and maintenance delays, marking a significant advancement in tunnel construction.
The Jinan Huanggang Tunnel, scheduled for completion in late 2025, symbolizes a breakthrough in infrastructure development, further solidifying China’s position as a global leader in engineering innovation.
