Leakage in China Dalian Undersea Tunnel... Flooded Just Half a Month After Opening

Leakage During Commute Hours... Normal Operation After Emergency Repair

The underwater tunnel in Dalian, China, was flooded due to leakage just fifteen days after its opening.

According to the Dalian underwater tunnel operator on the 16th, a report was received around 8:30 a.m. that water was accumulating on the floor. Photos and videos showing water flooding the internal road, making it difficult for vehicles to pass, began to appear on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.

The tunnel operator stated that water had pooled in some sections of the tunnel but emergency repairs were completed around 10 a.m., and normal operations have resumed. The Dalian Public Security Bureau explained that water leaked only from a fire valve and that there was no problem with the tunnel itself.

Opened on the 1st of this month, the tunnel is a six-lane arterial road (12.1 km) connecting Zhongshan District and Ganjingzi District in Dalian, with a 5.1 km underwater section beneath Dalian Bay.

It is the first underwater tunnel in northern China and was opened four years after construction began. At the time of opening, authorities explained that advanced excavation technology was applied to ensure durability capable of lasting 100 years.

Underwater Tunnel in Dalian, China Turned into a Sea of Water (Source: Weibo Capture)