The Banzhang Mt Tunnel additions project entered the next stage of construction on Aug 18 with the breakthrough of the third new passageway between North and South Yingbin Road. 

Four of nine emergency passages linking the tunnels are yet to be blasted by mid-September. The new tunnels are on track to open to traffic by the first half of next year.

Breakthrough celebration

Next, the tunnel interiors will be coated to achieve reinforced support, optimize the drainage system and wire network, create a pleasant appearance, and facilitate the installation of communication, lighting, monitoring, and other facilities in the future. This work is scheduled to be finished in November. 

The Banzhang Mt Tunnel project is an important north-to-south artery between New Xiangzhou (Ningxi) and Gongbei. The project starts from the intersection of North Yingbin and West Renmin roads in the north and ends at the intersection of South Yingbin Road and Jiuzhou Avenue in the south.

The total project consists of three main tunnels, a 1,235-m (1,350-yd) southbound route (Xiangzhou to Gongbei), a 1,220-m (1,334-yd) northbound road (Gongbei to Xiangzhou), and a 1,235-m (1,350-yd) slow-traffic tunnel. Construction project has been underway for 14 months.

Construction progresses [Photos by Chen Lin, Xu Baixi / Zhuhai Daily]