Abstract：The first phase of west route of South-to-North Water Transfer Project consists of 4 dams，2 weirs and 7 tunnels which transfer water of 4 billion cubic meters to the Yellow River annually. The most complicated part of the project belongs to the design and construction of these long tunnels at great depths. The majority of strata lithology are Triassic sandstone and slate；and the dam condition is good. With complicated engineering geologic condition，the major existing problems include the stability of surrounding rock passing through shattered zone，high geostress and high geo-temperature of deeply bedded tunnels，inrush of water，and the slope stability of tunnel¢s intake. These complex engineering geologic problems can be solved. The geological condition is feasible. The elevation of the project varies from 3 400 m to 4 800 m，where oxygen is in shortage and heavy physical labor is not applicable. So TBM method is acceptable，whose double protection shields are adopted for excavation in the project.
