Recently, a breakthrough ceremony was held for the cross-sea shield tunnel in the southern section of the Macao Light Rapid Transit East Line. The tunnel is being built by a joint venture formed by CSCEC and Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co., Ltd.

The project team overcame construction challenges through technological innovation and strictly enforced safety and quality controls.

The East Line is a key livelihood project promoted by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government. The joint venture is responsible for a 4.68-kilometer southern section, which involves the construction of three underground stations, three interstation tunnel sections and an elevated bridge section.

The newly completed shield tunnel connects stations ES5 and ES6. It has an outer diameter of 12.1 meters and a total length of 3,012 meters, including a 2,415-meter section beneath the sea. It is Macao's first project to employ a 12-meter-diameter shield tunnel boring technique and a key component of the East Line.

Following the tunnel breakthrough, the joint venture will continue with the remaining construction work while maintaining strict control over safety, quality and project progress, helping the East Line meet its target of beginning operations in 2029.