KAZBEGI, Georgia, April 23,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On April
23, a key tunnel of KK Highway, Georgia's North-South Corridor, was
successfully bored through ahead of schedule, cutting travel time
from the previous one hour to 20 minutes. Constructed by China
Railway Tunnel Group Co., Ltd., the Gudauri Tunnel is projected to
resolve the seasonal traffic disruption that has fretted the
country for years.
The 8860-meter tunnel will not only enhance the efficiency
and safety of the North-South highway corridor, but also
significantly boost the tourism, employment, accessibility, and
border trade in Georgia's northern
mountainous areas. It will also elevate Georgia's status as a crucial transportation
hub and a vital corridor connecting Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and other neighboring
countries.
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. It is designed as a two-way dual carriageway and
represents the largest single infrastructure project within
Georgia.
The tunnel boring machine, dubbed the "Caucasus", played a
crucial role in the tunnel's construction. Developed by
China, the Caucasus measures 182
meters in length and weighs 3,900 tons. It has 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 of its kind
globally.
With a maximum monthly advance of 426 meters, the Caucasus set a
new record in large diameter TBM tunnel construction, surpassing
the previous estimate of "no more than 320 meters per month" in the
industry. This breakthrough was made by the innovative design of
the Caucasus, which includes synchronized excavation and assembly
technology, enhancing construction efficiency.
In the process of the construction, the project team prioritized
environmental protection, continuously monitoring noise and
vibrations. Immediate action was taken to mitigate any issues that
exceeded environmental standards, demonstrating a commitment to
sustainable development.
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SOURCE China Railway Tunnel Group Co., Ltd