Imagine driving through a tunnel completely submerged in the sea – and it’s longer than 30 soccer fields combined! Chinese engineers are now building a groundbreaking 5-kilometer subsea tunnel as part of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, a mega-infrastructure project connecting two bustling cities across the Pearl River Delta.
Why It Matters
This tunnel isn’t just about cutting travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan from 2 hours to 20 minutes . It’s a game-changer for regional trade, tourism, and tech innovation. The project uses immersed tube technology – think giant concrete segments lowered into a pre-dug trench and sealed underwater.
How Do You Build Underwater?
Engineers are tackling challenges like strong currents and complex geology with AI-powered monitoring systems and eco-friendly designs. Fun fact: Each tunnel segment weighs as much as 16 Boeing 747s ! Once complete in 2024, it’ll be a key piece of China’s Greater Bay Area vision, linking 11 cities into a global tech and economic hub.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com