Tunneling to a future of prosperity

Athunderous explosion on Dec 30 echoed through the heart of the snow-covered Tianshan Mountains, marking the final breakthrough of the world's longest expressway tunnel under construction — the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel. The 22.13-kilometer marvel, part of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, is set to transform travel across the Tianshan range, reducing the journey from three hours to just 20 minutes.

Stretching from the regional capital of Urumqi in northern Xinjiang to Yuli county, Bayingol Mongolian autonomous prefecture in southern Xinjiang, the expressway will significantly boost connectivity in the region.

Since its groundbreaking in 2020, thousands of workers have braved extreme conditions — high altitudes, freezing temperatures, and low oxygen levels — to achieve what was once deemed nearly impossible.

"It's like digging through tofu," says Huang Dengxia, chief engineer of the tunnel's fifth section team, describing the fragile geological conditions that could lead to mud surges and rock slides.

The team adopted the construction pattern of three drifts and four shafts, according to China Communications Construction Xinjiang Transportation Investment and Development Co, which built the tunnel.

As the final 3 meters of rock gave way, the two teams of workers — one from the north, the other from the south — met in the middle, their cheers echoing through the tunnel. "We've finally conquered this 'hard bone,'" says Mao Jinbo, chief engineer at the tunnel's exit, his voice trembling with emotion.

But the challenges extended beyond engineering. The harsh environment tested the resolve of the workers. To boost morale, the project team transformed an old railway station into vibrant living quarters. With dormitories, restaurants and supermarkets, it became a home away from home for workers. "We came from all corners of the country but here, we became family," says Cheng Liumin, who managed the area.

For the herders near the tunnel's exit, the project promises a brighter future. "We've always dreamed of crossing the Tianshan Mountains," says a 52-year-old herder who tends his sheep on the vast grasslands.

With the tunnel's completion, he plans to open a Mongolian yurt guesthouse, welcoming tourists to experience the region's natural beauty. "When the road is ready, more people will come, and our lives will be better," he says with hope.

The tunnel does not only bridge mountains but also communities, offering a more convenient, brighter future for people living in and outside the region. The regional government expects the new tunnel will boost the flow and communication of people between northern and southern Xinjiang, allowing for more career and development opportunities.