A site source for the Three Gorges waterway project says the pilot excavation area for the new channel at the Three Gorges hub has completed topsoil stripping and is expected to finish excavation in October. Ongoing works include earthworks on the pilot navigation test section, rock blasting, slope support and drainage, and construction trials. Cumulative excavation is about 4.15 mln cubic meters, roughly 48% of the planned volume, and overall progress is in line with the schedule.