Recently, the tunnel entrance groundbreaking ceremony for the Dongxi Tunnel of the Cangtai Expressway Section 9 project was successfully held, marking that the project has entered a new stage and laying a solid foundation for subsequent construction.

To ensure the smooth entry into the Dongxi Tunnel entrance, the project team conducted in-depth studies of hydrological and geological conditions, scientifically and reasonably determined the tunnel excavation method, strictly formulated a special tunnel construction plan, and organized expert review. At the same time, in light of the terrain, landforms, and geological conditions at the portal and targeting the characteristics and difficulties of the portal section works, the team formulated an overall construction plan based on the principles of "advanced pipe forepoling, strict grouting, short excavation, strong support, rapid sealing, and frequent measurement," and carried out portal earthwork, interception and drainage, arch cover, pipe roof, and side and face slope protection construction and other preparations for tunnel entry in an orderly manner.

The Dongxi Tunnel is a long mountain tunnel. Its entrance is located within Qiaotou Village, Dongxi Township, Taishun County, and its exit is located within Shangwuyang Village, Sankui Town, Taishun County. The total tunnel length is 1.7475 km (converted to dual tubes). The maximum ground elevation in the tunnel site area is about 700 m, and the maximum buried depth is 187 m. It is a separated tunnel with two-way four-lane traffic. During construction, the project team organized construction strictly in accordance with the New Austrian Tunnelling Method and used information-based means such as dynamic monitoring and advanced geological radar to predict risks. At the same time, it continuously promoted the application of the "four new technologies," vigorously implemented mechanized and intelligent construction, promoted complete sets of advanced tunnel equipment, and introduced machinery such as wet spraying manipulators and multifunctional sweeping vehicles, thereby ensuring construction safety, improving construction efficiency, effectively advancing the construction schedule, and striving to achieve tunnel breakthrough as early as possible.

It is reported that the Cangnan-Taishun Expressway is one of the key projects in Zhejiang's "14th Five-Year Plan." It is an important component of promoting Zhejiang Province's pilot construction of a transportation powerhouse, building a modern comprehensive three-dimensional transportation network, and promoting economic and social development in southern Zhejiang and the Zhejiang-Fujian border area. The completion of this project is of great significance for improving the expressway network layout, facilitating travel for people along the route, serving the construction of nuclear power projects, and strengthening national defense transportation support.