China recently opened the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge-Tunnel project, a cross-sea bridge-tunnel system located in Guangdong province. This engineering marvel set a series of world records upon completion. The 24-kilometer-long structure connects the cities of Shenzhen and Zhongshan, shortening travel time from two hours to just 30 minutes. The Pearl River estuary, where it flows into the South China Sea, is one of the most densely populated areas globally, including Hong Kong, Macao, and nine cities in Guangdong, separated by a vast expanse of water, making travel challenging. The project was designed to overcome this obstacle by connecting the two cities on opposite sides of the estuary with a unique bridge-tunnel system.
The project is not a long bridge but includes a tunnel that runs between two artificial islands, with bridges connecting each island to the respective city. With eight lanes and a maximum speed of 100 km/h, this new route significantly reduces travel time and makes commuting between Shenzhen and Zhongshan much more efficient. After seven years of construction, the project opened to traffic on June 30, setting ten world records in the process.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan project boasts various impressive features, including a new fire suppression system and a team of 14 robots that monitor the tunnel regularly. The robots help maintain the infrastructure, keep things running smoothly, and alert authorities in case of car accidents. Additionally, the tunnel has a color-coded lighting system for emergency situations, guiding people in the right direction during evacuations.
Moreover, the project seamlessly connects with the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge, located 31 km away. This interconnected infrastructure network makes traveling around these densely populated areas much more accessible for residents and visitors alike. Overall, the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge-Tunnel project is an impressive feat of engineering that enhances transportation infrastructure in the region and sets new global standards in bridge and tunnel design.