The third desert highway in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, from Yuli County to Qiemo County, successfully crossed the Tarim River, the longest inland river in China, on Wednesday. This photo shows the construction site of the highway project in Yuli County on August 26, 2020. (Compiled by Wang Pengda)

The construction of the Yuli-Qiemo highway project in Xinjiang began in October 2017.

Due to the geological structure of a sand layer and quicksand layer, engineers of China Communications Construction Company adopted a circulation drilling rig construction method, and increase mud proportion appropriately so as to ensure the quality of hole formation.

With 1,290 meters long and 43 spans, the Tarim River Bridge is nearing completion at this point. This photo shows the aerial view of the Yuli-Qiemo highway.

The completion of this project will shorten the distance between the two counties by 280 km and six hours, promoting the economy of the Taklamakan Desert at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains.

Construction site of the highway project in Yuli County, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on August 26, 2020.

Construction site of the highway project in Yuli County, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on August 26, 2020.

Aerial view of the Yuli-Qiemo highway in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on August 26, 2020.