China has recently inaugurated the world's longest expressway tunnel, marking a significant milestone in infrastructure development within its western region. The Tianshan Shengli tunnel, located in Xinjiang, promises to enhance connectivity across the challenging terrains of the Tianshan Mountains.
The Tianshan Shengli tunnel stretches an impressive 22.13 kilometers, traversing the central Tianshan mountain range. According to Song Hailiang, the chairman of China Communications Construction Company, this project has established two world records: it is the longest expressway tunnel globally and features the deepest vertical shaft ever constructed for a highway tunnel.
This tunnel forms a vital segment of the G0711 Urumqi–Yuli Expressway, which also became operational on the same day. The expressway serves as a crucial transportation artery, linking various city clusters throughout Xinjiang. It facilitates travel across the vast Tianshan range, which has historically created a significant natural barrier between the northern and southern parts of the region.
With the opening of the Tianshan Shengli tunnel, travel times have seen a dramatic reduction. What once took several hours navigating treacherous mountain roads has now been decreased to approximately 20 minutes. Official reports indicate that the overall journey between Urumqi, the regional capital in northern Xinjiang, and Korla, the largest city in the south, has shortened from around seven hours to approximately three hours, enhancing safety and logistical efficiency.
The G0711 expressway, spanning 324.7 kilometers, has been constructed over a span of five years, with a total investment of approximately 46.7 billion yuan. This project is set to boost regional integration, facilitate trade and mobility, and support economic growth in Xinjiang by addressing long-standing geographical constraints through advanced engineering solutions.
Q1. What is the length of the Tianshan Shengli tunnel?
Answer: The Tianshan Shengli tunnel measures 22.13 kilometers, making it the longest expressway tunnel in the world.
Q2. In which region of China is the Tianshan Shengli tunnel located?
Answer: The tunnel is situated in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, enhancing regional connectivity.
Q3. How much travel time does the tunnel save for travelers?
Answer: The tunnel reduces travel time across the Tianshan Mountains from several hours to about 20 minutes.
Q4. What expressway is the Tianshan Shengli tunnel part of?
Answer: The tunnel is a critical segment of the G0711 Urumqi–Yuli Expressway, which links various city clusters in Xinjiang.
Q5. What is the total investment for the G0711 expressway project?
Answer: The total investment for constructing the G0711 expressway is approximately 46.7 billion yuan.
Question 1: What is the significance of the Tianshan Shengli tunnel?
A) It connects two international borders
B) It is the longest expressway tunnel in the world
C) It is located in southern Xinjiang
D) It has the shallowest vertical shaft
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which mountain range does the Tianshan Shengli tunnel traverse?
A) Himalayas
B) Ural Mountains
C) Tianshan Mountains
D) Appalachian Mountains
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What was the travel time between Urumqi and Korla before the tunnel's opening?
A) 4 hours
B) 5 hours
C) 7 hours
D) 9 hours
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What is the total length of the G0711 expressway?
A) 150 kilometers
B) 250 kilometers
C) 324.7 kilometers
D) 400 kilometers
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: Who is the chairman of the China Communications Construction Company?
A) Zhang Wei
B) Song Hailiang
C) Li Ming
D) Wang Jun
Correct Answer: B
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