China's First Single-Bore, Double-Deck Tunnel Under Yellow River Opens in Jinan

The Huanggang Road Yellow River Tunnel in Jinan, Shandong Province, was officially opened to traffic on August 25. This facility is noted as China's first single-bore, double-deck tunnel utilizing a shield tunneling method to traverse the Yellow River.

The new tunnel significantly reduces travel time between Jinan's Longhu Wetland Park and Lanxiang Middle Road. Previously, the journey took approximately 40 minutes by car; the tunnel now allows passage in about five minutes. This improvement aims to enhance connectivity between Jinan's main urban areas and new development zones.

A key feature of the tunnel is its single-bore, double-deck structure. The upper deck accommodates traffic from south to north, while the lower deck carries traffic from north to south, creating a six-lane passageway. The tunnel is designed for speeds of up to 60 km/h, with an internal clearance of 4.2 meters per level, allowing passage for buses and emergency vehicles.

The single-bore, double-deck design is presented as a more efficient and cost-effective solution compared to traditional twin-tunnel configurations, maximizing underground space utilization and reducing construction costs. The project required the use of a large-diameter shield tunneling machine, named "Shanhe," with an excavation diameter of 17.5 meters.

With its opening, the tunnel increases the number of Yellow River crossings in the Jinan section to 22. It connects to the G309 National Road Longhu Interchange, further integrating the regional road network and supporting ecological protection and high-quality development initiatives along the Yellow River basin.