The grand opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link in Guangdong Province marks a significant milestone in China’s transportation history. Officially inaugurated on June 30, 2024, the 24-kilometer passage reduces travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan from two hours to just 30 minutes. This remarkable achievement is not only a testament to China’s engineering prowess but also sets 10 new world records, further establishing its reputation as a leader in infrastructure development.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, often hailed as a “transportation backbone” of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, consists of an underwater tunnel, two bridges, and two artificial islands. It is strategically located within the national expressway network G2518, bridging the gap between Shenzhen airport interchange and Ma’anshan Island in Zhongshan across the Pearl River. This infrastructure marvel connects key urban centers and is pivotal in enhancing the connectivity of one of the world’s most densely populated regions.
The 10th World Records
The bridge component of the link boasts several world records. It features the largest span for a fully offshore steel box girder suspension bridge at 1,666 meters and the highest bridge deck at 91 meters. Additionally, it holds the record for the highest navigation clearance for a sea bridge. The suspension bridge’s anchor, with a concrete volume of approximately 344,000 cubic meters, is the largest of its kind.
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This mega project has also achieved the highest wind resistance test speed for a suspension bridge, with a maximum flutter test wind speed of 83.7 meters per second. The bridge’s steel deck is another standout, with hot-mix epoxy asphalt paving covering an area of 378,800 square meters, the largest in the world.
The Underwater Tunnel:
The tunnel section of the link is equally impressive. It features the longest two-way, eight-lane immersed tube tunnel, stretching 5,035 meters and comprising 32 tube sections plus one final joint. It is also the widest underwater steel shell-concrete immersed tube tunnel, with a width of up to 55.6 meters. The construction involved the world’s largest single-volume cast for a steel-shell immersed tube, using self-compacting concrete with a volume of 29,000 cubic meters per tube section.
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The tunnel is equipped with cutting-edge safety and monitoring systems. It includes a central pipe gallery for power, water supply, drainage, firefighting, communication, and intelligent control, spanning 6.8 kilometres. Notably, it is the first underwater expressway interchange and airport interchange. The tunnel also features the widest repeatedly foldable M-shaped water stop, measuring three meters.
Enhancing Connectivity in the Greater Bay Area
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is more than just an engineering feat; it is a critical infrastructure project that boosts regional integration and economic development in the Greater Bay Area. By significantly reducing travel time, the link facilitates smoother and faster movement of people and goods, enhancing the efficiency of the transportation network. This development complements existing structures like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, forming a comprehensive network of cross-sea and cross-river passages that drive the region’s growth.
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Smart Construction for a Safer Journey
Safety and efficiency are at the core of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link’s design. The underwater tunnel is equipped with 14 robots, dual-wavelength flame detectors, and Beidou satellite navigation signal simulators to ensure its safe operation. These robots patrol the emergency exits and cable channels, monitor equipment, and even manage traffic during accidents. They are capable of filming incidents and transmitting real-time footage to the control center.
The tunnel also boasts a unique horizontal smoke exhaust pipe system, which enhances smoke exhaust efficiency by 42%. This system, combined with new firefighting technologies, ensures swift and safe evacuations. The tunnel’s intelligent lighting control devices adjust brightness for safety and comfort, while color-coded light strips guide evacuations, turning red during emergencies.
The opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is a monumental event in China’s transportation landscape. It not only exemplifies the nation’s advanced engineering capabilities but also sets new standards for future infrastructure projects. As the Greater Bay Area continues to grow and develop, the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link will play a pivotal role in driving connectivity, economic integration, and regional prosperity. This project is a shining example of how innovative engineering can transform regions and improve the quality of life for millions.
