China's largest-diameter tunnel boring machine finished its crossing beneath the river on Thursday, clearing the route for high-speed rail construction.
The achievement set a world record for the longest single-heading underwater shield drive. It also marked the first-ever underground connection between a large horizontal shield machine and a vertical shaft, according to the China Global Television Network.
The Chongtai Yangtze River Tunnel is a 14-km-long high-speed rail tunnel lying 89 m below the Yangtze River.
A view of Chongqing's skyline with Yangtze River in China. Photo by Pexels
Due for completion by the end of this year, the project will provide Chongming, China's third-largest island, with its first high-speed rail link.
