In this paper, the development history of utility
tunnels in China is summarized. From the first utility tunnel under Tian′anmen
Square in Beijing in 1985, China′s utility tunnels went
through the conceptual stage, the controversial stage, rapid development stage,
largescale construction and innovation stage, and
entered an orderly proceeding stage. Rich experience has been gained in the
construction of urban utility tunnels, for example, policies and regulations
have been continuously improved, the standard system has been gradually
established, the pilot cities have fanned out, the PPP mode has yielded
unusually brilliant results, useful attempts on green construction have been
made, waterproofing measures have been adjusted to differing conditions,
innovative technologies have achieved reduced costs and increased efficiency,
prefabrication and assembly have begun to take shape, intelligent technologies
have been applied with emphasis, and unified platforms have been basically
finalized. However, due to various reasons, there are also many problems, such
as lack of regulations, standards and other systems, disorder of planning and
construction, and lack of operation management system, which hinders the
construction and development of the urban utility tunnels. The following
suggestions are put forward: (1) Continuous promotion should be made to promote
the construction of urban utility tunnels, especially in the construction of
new districts, the reconstruction of old urban districts, the construction of
new roads (renovation and expansion), and important sections and areas with
dense pipelines; (2) The operation conditions of the built utility tunnels
should be evaluated comprehensively, and if feasible, favorable conditions
should be provided for the built utility tunnels to ensure their smooth
operation; (3) For cities at all levels, the dedicated planning of urban
utility tunnels should be revised, and the construction of the required urban
utility tunnels should be pushed ahead in an orderly way; (4) Great attention
should be paid to the operation management of urban utility tunnels, and the
sound operation of urban utility tunnels should be propelled from the aspects
of laws and regulations, qualifications and professional talents; (5) Overall
coordination should be enhanced to push forward the planning, construction and
management of urban underground space.
