On October 22, Beijing Urban Construction Corporation reported significant progress in the Beijing section of the Jingyu Expressway, specifically the key control project—the Xiaolongmen Tunnel—has successfully achieved dual completion. This critical infrastructure, linking Beijing to Yuxian County in Hebei Province, lays a solid foundation for the project’s goal of full operational capacity by the end of this year.

The Beijing section of the Jingyu Expressway spans approximately 65.4 kilometers, starting from the Xihuan Ring Road in the Mentougou District and connecting to the Zhangzhuo Expressway in Hebei. Currently, 56.9 kilometers of the route is open, with the remaining 8.5 kilometers expected to meet operational standards by year-end. The project features 16 tunnels totaling around 34.7 kilometers, with the Xiaolongmen Tunnel, measuring about 6.4 kilometers in length, being a significant highlight.

During construction, the Xiaolongmen Tunnel presented substantial challenges, including the absence of shallow-buried sections outside the tunnel entrances. The largest excavation cross-section reached 210 square meters, with a maximum depth of around 525 meters. These factors classified it as a long, ultra-large cross-section, deeply buried tunnel in a mountainous area, complicating internal operation and ventilation. The tunnel’s geological conditions included various geological hazards and environmental constraints, particularly its location within the Baihuashan Ecological Reserve, which required adherence to stringent environmental protections.

To address these challenges, the construction team implemented a philosophy focused on proactive management, precise execution, and advanced technologies. Project manager Ge Chenyu remarked on their strategy to enhance efficiency by meticulously coordinating various construction processes including excavation, waste removal, support, and secondary lining. This approach has accelerated progress while adhering to environmental standards.

The project team also established a dedicated innovation studio that developed a patented water-sealing blasting technique. This new technology not only improved the efficiency of blasting operations but also significantly reduced dust and harmful gas emissions, thereby minimizing the impact of vibrations on surrounding tunnels and wildlife. It has notably advanced the mechanization and automation of traditional mining methods, contributing to the development of smart construction and reinforcing tunnel safety with improved monitoring systems.

Since the opening of the West Sixth Ring to Lingshan Interchange segment on July 1, there has been a noticeable improvement in travel times and a boost in tourism in the surrounding Mentougou District. Now, it takes 45 minutes to drive from Xihuan Ring to Lingshan, a reduction from two hours, enhancing public travel experiences and promoting regional collaborative development.

The Lingshan Interchange to city boundary segment is expected to be operational by the end of this year, coinciding with the opening of the Hebei section. As a major transportation project, the Jingyu Expressway is set to alleviate pressure on transportation routes in northwestern and southwestern Beijing and is crucial for emergency response efforts and economic development in the western regions of the capital. This development is pivotal in fostering economic integration within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area.