Work on Hezhou Tunnel, a key node of the Zhuhai Avenue (Zhuhai Bridge-West Niwanmen Bridge section) expansion project, is proceeding smoothly. Upon completion in 2023, it will lead the dual eight-lane main line of Zhuhai Avenue to go under the Jiangmen-Zhuhai Expressway without traffic lights and increase traffic efficiency of the east-west artery. 

Currently, 35 percent of the excavation work on the 645-m (705-yd) tunnel has been finished, while slab concrete pouring has been completed on three of its 16 parts as of June 2 since construction began in March. The main structure will be ready by mid-2023 to make way for final touches, such as greening. 

Rendering of Hezhou Tunnel [Photo by Li Jianshu / Zhuhai Daily]

In addition, the two-way six-lane auxiliary roads of the tunnel will connect ramps of the Jiangmen-Zhuhai and Hezhou-Gaolan Port expressways.

The Zhuhai Bridge-West Niwanmen Bridge section of Zhuhai Avenue will be expanded into a two-way 14-lane road, except for the Niwanmen Bridge. Once operational in next year, its main line will have a maximum speed limit of 100 km/h (62 mph), while that for Hezhou Tunnel is 80 km/h (50 mph). 

The project also includes construction for overpasses, bus-only lanes, and slow traffic systems. Upon operation, Zhuhai Avenue will connect with the future Zhuhai Tunnel to increase commuting efficiency between Zhuhai east and west wings.