A Hunan-made shield tunneling machine "Haojiang Pioneer" commenced tunneling for the Macao Light Rail project in Macao SAR on May 7.

With a total length of about 2,077 meters, the tunnel section is entirely constructed underground. The project holds high demands for precision control, geological adaptability, and risk mitigation during the tunneling process, due to multiple factors, such as dense urban architectures, limited construction space, and complicated hydrogeological conditions in the construction areas.

The shield tunneling machine "Haojiang Pioneer" measures 87 meters in length and approximately 690 tonnes in weight, with an excavation diameter of 7.28 meters. It was jointly developed and manufactured by the China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Co. Ltd (CRCHI), China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), China Railway 16th Bureau Group Corporation Limited (CR16G), and Nam Kwong Real Estate Co., Ltd.

"To meet the project demands, the machine is equipped with intelligent monitoring and high-precision deviation rectification systems, which enables it to analyze soil structure changes ahead in real time and accordingly adjust rotation speed and thrust," explained a person-in-charge of the project. Beyond that, the machine is equipped with advanced visual cameras in the soil chamber and automatic spraying systems, which can enhance multi-party coordination efficiency during tunneling process while minimizing impacts on surrounding environment.

Upon completion, the light rail line will connect Macao's core areas, including the Border Gate (Portas do Cerco), New Urban Zone Area A, and the Taipa Ferry Terminal. It is expected to alleviate customs clearance pressure at the Border Gate, significantly improve ground transportation efficiency, and mitigate traffic congestion in the urban area.

责编：冯宇轩

一审：冯宇轩

二审：唐煜斯

三审：秦慧英

来源：湖南省政府门户网