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The Schedule
The master schedule of the project is arranged as follows:
- Preparation period and Stage 1 construction - 5 years (1993 - 1997)
- Stage 2 construction - 6 years (1998 - 2003)
- Stage 3 construction - 6 years (2004 - 2009)
Preparation period and Stage 1 construction
To dam the main waterway of the
Yangtze by the use of Zhongbao Island and to build the canal, to build the
coffer dams upstream and downstream and begin the preparations of early-stage
project. This phase has been completed with no view changes.
Stage 2 construction
The second phase will soon be
finished, as it is scheduled for completion by June 1, 2003 with the scenic
spots remaining intact. After the second phase, the water level will rise from
66 m to 135 m. Some scenery spots will be inundated in portion.
On November 1, 2002, there was second division closure at
the Yangtze River, so the navigation channels in the Three Gorges area had been
closed. From Nov. 1, 2002 to Jun 15, 2003, there will be no water transportation
in the dam area for large cruisers, but cruise ships can still sail either on
the upper level or on the lower level of the dam. Between June 1 and June 15,
the dam area will be flooded and the water level will rise to the planned level.
On June 15, the spillways (sluice gates) and five-step shiplock will come in use.
Ships can go through the dam area again and the transportation system on the
Yangtze River will resume as before. The first generating unit on the left bank
will also begin to generate power.
Construction of the shiplock (December 2002)
From now to June 15, cruise lines and tour companies will
get busses instead of ships to make the connection between the dam area and
Yichang. Most companies will still be able to continue their business during the
transit period. For example, after cruises from Chongqing arring at the dam,
travellers can visit the Three Gorges Dam and take excursions and side trips to
the Three Gorges, and then go to Yichang by bus. It is only a 40 minute drive
from the dam to Yichang via highway. All tours in the upper and lower levels of
the dam will not be affected by the construction of the dam.
Stage 3 construction
After the second phase is
completed, the water level will be at 135 m and the speed of the water in shoals
will be reduced and the rapids rolling along the Three Gorges will no longer
exist. All the one-way sections along the Three Gorges will disappear. Ships can
cruise more safely. The high water level will inundate some scenery completely
or in portion, while at the same time, we can easily get in many ever hidden
scenic spots by boat.
By September 2006, the power plant on the right bank should
be operational and the dam will store water to 156 m, before reaching its
projected height of 175 m in 2009.
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