On April 23, the Gudauri Tunnel, a key tunnel of the KK Highway, Georgia's North-South Corridor, was successfully bored through ahead of schedule.
The tunnel was constructed by China Railway Tunnel Group Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Railway Group Limited, with the world’s largest diameter Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).
The Georgian North-South Corridor KK Highway has a total length of 22.7 kilometers. The 10-kilometer LOT1 Section is constructed by China Railway Tunnel Group Co., Ltd., of which the Gudauri Tunnel is a landmark, stretching 8,860 meters in length. It is designed as a two-way dual carriageway and now is the largest single infrastructure project in Georgia.
The TBM "Caucasus" played a crucial role in the tunnel's construction. It measures 182 meters in length and weighs 3,900 tons, with a maximum thrust of 22,600 tons and a total power of 9,900 kilowatts. With an excavation diameter of 15.08 meters, it is the largest TBM of its kind globally.
The Caucasus set a new record in large diameter TBM tunnel construction, with a maximum monthly advance of 426 meters. This breakthrough was made by its innovative design, which includes synchronized excavation and assembly technology, enhancing construction efficiency.
The KK Highway is a key transportation project of the Belt and Road cooperation, connecting Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and other neighboring countries. It will enhance Georgia's modern transportation infrastructure system and resolve the seasonal traffic disruption that has fretted the country for years, playing a crucial role in promoting local social and economic development.
(Executive editor: Zhu Zeya)
