The Sunzhong Tunnel on Changjiang Road is being paved with asphalt on August 5. [Photo by Miao Xiaojian] 

More progress has been made in the Changjiang Road reconstruction. The construction of the Sunzhong Tunnel, "Zhongshan's longest tunnel", has entered the final stage. This tunnel is scheduled to open to traffic this month after the completion of traffic signs and lines.

The Sunzhong Tunnel is about 1.26 kilometers long, with six lanes in both directions. It is equipped with ventilation windows every 30 meters and 7 water pumps to meet the drainage requirements in stormy weather. Two emergency corridors have been built in case of emergency evacuation.

According to the relevant person in charge of the construction project, there are four tunnels included in the Changjiang Road reconstruction project,  with spring, summer, autumn and winter as themes respectively. The main color of the Sunzhong Tunnel is green, describing the scene of "Charitable All and Philanthropic Zhongshan"; the main color of the Kanghua Tunnel is red, describing the scene of "Piaose and Dragon Boat Competition"; the main color of the Dongxiang Tunnel is yellow, representing the scene of "Guangdong Golden Autumn and Harvest Celebration"; and the main color of the Qiwansha Tunnel is blue, representing the scene of "Reunion in Winter Solstice and Going Home for the Spring Festival".

The auxiliary roads on both sides of the tunnel (the section between the Dongjiang Intersection and Fengjing Garden) will be completely closed for construction after the opening of the Sunzhong Tunnel.

As of now, the Changjiang Road reconstruction has been 85% completed. Efforts will be made to enable the main line to be operational before October 1.