World’s highest expressway tunnel completed in Qinghai

By:en.tibetol.cn
update:November 15,2017

Nov. 15, 2017 -- Xueshan No.1 tunnel, the highest expressway tunnel in the world with an altitude of over 4,400 meters, was successful completed, according to the Department of Transportation in Qinghai province.

Nov. 15, 2017 -- Jiuzhi No.5 tunnel. (File photo)

As an important part of the economic corridor of western China, Huajiu Expressway starts from Maduo county, Guoluo tibetan autonomous prefecture, Qinghai province and ends at Jiuzhi county of the prefecture.

With a total length of 9,056 meters, Xueshan No.1 tunnel, as a key part of Huajiu Expressway, runs through a snow mountain valley. The tunnel was constructed under extremely harsh environment with an average temperature of minus four degrees Celsius.

Nov. 15, 2017 -- Qiabulongte Bridge, the highest bridge of the expressway. (File photo)

The completion of the expressway has shortened the driving time from Guoluo to Yushu by 6 hours which was unimaginable in the past, said Han Xuewei, Huada project director of Huajiu expressway.