The Xitai Tunnel, a core control project of the A4 section of the Shuangfu Expressway, a key project in Fujian Province, recently began construction. The Xitai Tunnel features two tubes with six lanes. The right tube of the tunnel's exit section currently under construction faces a complex mountainous geological environment, with the portal adjacent to a village and severely weathered soil, making excavation difficult. As the contractor, China Railway 17th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. is adopting step-by-step excavation and progressive reinforcement for geologically weak areas, combined with low-vibration blasting technology.

Xu Jiajia, technical director of the A4 section of the Shuangfu Expressway under China Railway 17th Bureau Group, said that during construction they must focus on preventing surface collapse, mud and water inrushes and other problems. By draining groundwater in advance, using ground-penetrating radar to detect geological conditions ahead, and strictly controlling blasting charges, they are making every effort to ensure construction safety and progress.

At present, all work sites in the A4 section of the Shuangfu Expressway are working in coordination and accelerating the construction of bridges, roadbeds, culverts and other works along the entire line. Pile foundation concreting for 134 bridge piles has been completed, along with the main structure of three culverts. Roadbed ancillary works are progressing steadily, laying a solid foundation for the full line's completion.

Next, China Railway 17th Bureau Group will focus on key aspects such as geological risks in tunnel construction and the precision of bridge pile foundation work, assigning dedicated personnel for close monitoring and conducting regular inspections, while simultaneously carrying out ecological protection and safeguarding the environment of surrounding villages. It will accelerate the final stages of ancillary works such as roadbeds and culverts and advance preliminary preparations for pavement construction in parallel, ensuring seamless linkage between all stages and making every effort to keep the project on schedule.

It is understood that the Shuangfu Expressway is a branch line of the Beijing-Taipei Expressway, connecting Cangshan District and Minhou County in Fuzhou with Fuqing City. The project is expected to be completed and open to traffic in 2029, shortening the driving time from Fuzhou's main urban area to Fuqing by nearly 20 minutes and creating a "half-hour commuting circle." It will not only improve the transportation network of the Fuzhou metropolitan area but also link industrial clusters along the route, including the Nantong Agricultural and Sideline Products Wholesale Center, the Southeast Automobile City and the Dongtai Industrial Park, promoting the efficient flow of people, goods and information and supporting coordinated regional industrial development and urban-rural integration.

Source: Haibo TV