Qingdao, a port city in east China's Shandong Province, has been seeking investments for constructing two seabed tunnels in Jiaozhou Bay.

 

Sources from Xinshi Industrial Co. Ltd of Qingdao, the developer, said the projected tunnels would connect Xuejia Isle of the Huangdao Island District and Tuandao Isle of Qingdao by crossing at the mouth of Jiaozhou Bay.

 

The seabed tunnels, extending some 6,170 meters, will have six lanes capable of accommodating motor vehicles with a speed of 80 sq km per hour. The project is expected to cost 3.186 billion yuan (about US$400 million), according to its developer.

 

The seabed tunnels are expected to be completed in four years. The investment in them is expected to be recovered in about 11 years.

 

A report featuring evaluations by specialists has been completed and submitted to the relevant local authorities for approval.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 31, 2005)