Rapidly growing metropolises and overstrained traffic and transport systems are the side-effects of the economic groth and of the urbanization in China. Only an infrastructure that keeps the pace with the growth of population is capable of maintaining the quality of life in the cities. Therefore, the upgarde and the modernization of traffic tunnels and utility lines have atop proprity in the People's Republic.

The solution: Mechanized tunnelling. Herrenknecht offers the key technology "Made in Germany" to provide new connections in densely built-up cities. The tunnel construction takes place almost completely underground, without noise and any impact for aboveground traffic or the residents. At the same time, mechanized tunnelling is faster, environmentally more friendly and safer for the tunnel workers than the conventional methodes, e.g. drill and blast.

Tunnel boring technology by Herrenknecht paves the way for new traffic and utility infrastructures in many Chinese cities. In Wuhan, the construction of the Metro Line 2 was realized with Herrenknecht TBMs between September 2008 and January 2012. Seven machines excavated a total of more than 12 kilometers. Five EPB Shields crossed under downtown Wuhan and two Mixshields, i.e., the specialists for complex and water bearing ground, crossed under the River Yangtze.