Construction on the Haimen-Taicang cross-river passed a significant milestone when the surveying and construction of the main channel of the Yangtze River was completed on Nov 29, laying the foundation for the full completion of the project's preliminary survey and construction design.

The river surface of the surveyed water area was about 7.2 kilometers wide. A total of 515 boreholes need to be drilled, which is expected to be completed within 342 days. 

In addition, the surveyed water area is the key section of the Yangtze River waterway, with an average daily flow of nearly 3,000 ships, posing a severe challenge to construction and the water traffic safety.

At present, 325 boreholes in the waters of the main channel with the most difficult construction operation, the highest risks, and the most complicated navigation environment have been successfully drilled, accounting for 63 percent of the total construction.

The design sketch of the Haimen-Taicang cross-river path. [Photo/WeChat account: haimenrongmei]

The Haimen-Taicang cross-river path includes the first Yangtze River tunnel that combines an expressway with a high-speed railway. It is located about 8 kilometers downstream of the Sutong Yangtze River Highway Bridge, connecting Taicang and Haimen in Jiangsu province.

To date, 17 river-crossing tunnels have been built and six tunnels are under construction in Jiangsu province.