China sets new world record with 22.13 km highway tunnel in Guizhou

China has achieved a historic milestone in construction, completing a 22.13-kilometer-long highway tunnel, setting a new world record in infrastructure.

According to Chinese news agencies, the massive tunnel was built through the challenging mountainous terrain of Guizhou Province, transforming travel in the region. What once took hours along dangerous and winding mountain roads can now be covered in a fraction of the time.

While Norway’s Lærdal Tunnel still holds prominence at 24.5 km, the new Chinese tunnel is specifically designed for high-speed express traffic, allowing a continuous flow of vehicles and trucks.

Externally, the tunnel entrance may appear simple, but engineering teams worked for years, excavating from both ends and ensuring millimeter-precision alignment.

Where possible, giant boring machines were used; for harder rock, controlled blasting and traditional drilling techniques were employed.

This engineering feat not only sets a record but also redefines the possibilities of modern infrastructure in challenging geography, reducing travel time and boosting regional connectivity.