The 81-km-long Oujiang River Water Diversion Project’s tunnels were fully connected on October 22nd .

At 9:45am on October 22nd , with the successful completion of Zeling Tunnel in the second construction section, the Oujiang River Water Diversion Project’s tunnels were fully connected, spanning three years and six months of construction and featuring a total tunnel length of approximately 81 kilometers. This milestone ensures the project’s early completion and water supply, providing stronger water resource for Wenzhou to carry out the “Stronger City Action” and promote the public wellbeing of the “Five Cities & Three Parks”.

The Oujiang River Water Diversion Project, with the largest water diversion flow, the longest water transmission tunnel, and the largest investment scale in Wenzhou, shoulders heavy responsibilities of urban emergency water supply, irrigation, ecological water replenishment for river networks, and flood control and drainage. Stretching from the water intake hub at the ferry pier in Lucheng District to the Fengtai outlet in Longwan District, it boasts around 81-kilometer-long water transmission routes, featuring 24 branch tunnels, among which there are 15 water diversion points. Upon completion, the project will provide an average annual water diversion volume of 743 million cubic meters over the years, benefiting 4.2 million residents and addressing the medium- and long-term water demand for the development of Wenzhou.

Since its commencement on April 10, 2021, more than 20 participating units across the four construction sections have successively overcome numerous challenges, including complex policy processes, diverse construction techniques, high safety production risks, and difficult project management. Meanwhile, technological innovation, high-quality and high-speed engineering, as well as scientific management, have collectively fortified a robust work safety line. And its management adopts a diversified project mode, which includes not only the mode of DBB (design-bid-build) but also the mode of EPC (engineering-procurement- construction) and the mode of construction agent system.

Furthermore, Wenzhou Oujiang Water Diversion Development Co., LTD has actively conducted “safety and quality potential checks” and established benchmarks for mutual learning of new practices, experiences, and modes by implementing “Three-Inspection System (self-examination, peer review, and expect-inspection),” “Model-leading Approach,” and “Signboard Display and Acceptance System.” Until now, the project has maintained zero safety accidents, with its four construction sections being awarded the title of “Provincial Water Conservancy Standardized Construction Sites.” Additionally, it has also garnered 48 honors above the municipal level, including the third prize for National Engineering Consultation Achievement Award, the Red Flag Award for provincial key projects, and the Steed Award for municipal water conservancy projects.

The Project’s tunnels’ full connection marks a phased victory, with the comprehensive operation expected at the end of 2025. By then, Wenzhou will establish an alternate multi-source water supply system based on Shanxi Reservoir, Zeya Reservoir, and the Oujiang River Water Diversion Project.