Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

The western route of Maliuzhou Tunnel -- the third traffic passage linking downtown sections of Zhuhai and Hengqin New Area -- was broken through on Dec 7. 

The large-scale municipal project is invested by the Hengqin New Area Administrative Committee, constructed by Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co Ltd (STEC), and managed by Zhuhai Da Hengqin Port Industrial Co Ltd. 

Western front of Maliuzhou Tunnel completely connected on Dec 7 

With total investment of 2.54 billion yuan ($369 million), the construction commenced in July 2014 and shield tunneling for the eastern route will begin next March. The tunnel routes will be joined up by the end of next year.

With total length exceeding 2,800 m, the tunnel has reserved space for a streetcar line. The route across the Maliuzhou Waterway is circular with six double-barreled bi-directional lanes 3.5 m wide. An earth/water pressure balance shield in 14.93 m diameter was applied in tunneling. 

Workers break through Maliuzhou Tunnel

According to STEC project manager Liu Kuan, this is China’s first subsea tunnel constructed by a super-large diameter shield. Difficulties in the construction are commonly met, and experiences accumulated in the progress are said to be of high reference value and demonstration effect. 

Flags wave to celebrate occasion [Photos by Li Jianshu / Zhuhai Daily]