Tehran builds 2nd largest city tunnel in the world [PressTV]

The biggest and most expensive tunnel construction project in Iran.

The largest tunnel project connecting Tehran's east and west will be inaugurated in a matter of days.

A multi faceted project was started by Tehran municipality in March 2011 to a build the Niyayesh tunnel, the biggest and the most expensive tunnel construction project in Iran, with an additional internal connection of Tehran's east and south. The main aim of this massive project is to reduce traffic in the capital.

The Niayesh tunnel will be inaugurated on Saturday January 16th. The latest and advanced cement equipment has been used in this project, with a new technology known as self compact concrete (SCC) which has interlocking steel beams inside. In addition the Niyaesh Tunnel has been built using 2012 Permanent International Association of Road Congresses (PIARC) standards, considered to be the most advanced method by the World Road Association .

All phases of this project are being carried out by Iranian engineers, technicians, scientists and architects. The tunnel that is just over 10 kms in length, also has 2 ramps twenty-four meters each, is becoming recognized worldwide.

As officials have explained this massive tunnel project has cost around one billion dollars.