The CT33 expressway is expected to open up a strategic link between the province and several provinces in the Mekong Delta, and further connect the Mekong Delta with Ho Chi Minh City and the Southeast region.
 |
| Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City, believes that further research and refinement are needed to maximize the effectiveness of the project's investment. |
Agreement reached on the construction plan for CT33.
Currently, the road transport system connecting Ho Chi Minh City with the eastern coastal provinces of the Mekong Delta mainly relies on National Highway 60 and local roads with limited scale and low traffic capacity, failing to meet the increasing transport demands. Meanwhile, major bridge projects on National Highway 60 have been and are being invested in and put into operation, contributing to improved connectivity and a rapid increase in traffic volume in the area.
Investing in the construction of the CT33 expressway is essential to create a high-capacity, high-speed transportation axis, ensuring fast and safe connectivity between Ho Chi Minh City and the eastern coastal provinces of the Mekong Delta. It will also contribute to socio -economic development, enhance transportation capacity, and alleviate congestion on the existing transportation system.
Mr. Le Quynh Mai, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Deo Ca Group, reported on the proposed plan, investment phasing, and implementation schedule for the CT33 expressway project. Accordingly, this is a Class I transportation project, belonging to Group A projects, with a length of approximately 150km, passing through Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, and Can Tho City. The starting point is expected to connect with the Ben Luc-Long Thanh expressway, and the end point will connect with the Chau Doc-Can Tho-Soc Trang expressway. The proposed route is a 4-lane road with a design speed of 100 km/h.
Previously, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee held a meeting of the Provincial Party Committee to hear reports and give approval on the preliminary proposal for the investment and construction of the CT33 expressway (Ho Chi Minh City - Dong Thap - Vinh Long - Can Tho City) under the public-private partnership method in the province.
Therefore, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee unanimously chose option 2A, completing all project documents and procedures by December 2026. The project is expected to commence at the end of 2026 and be completed at the end of 2030. The investment will be a public-private partnership (PPP): 70% from the state budget and 30% from private capital.
According to the Provincial People's Committee, the province has agreed to choose option 2A. This option is divided into two investment phases: Phase 1 has a total investment (excluding interest) of VND 29,271 trillion. Phase 2 has a total investment (excluding interest) of VND 39,828 trillion.
According to the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Tran Tri Quang, the early investment in the construction of the CT33 expressway will create favorable conditions for regional connectivity; improve the efficiency of exploiting the transportation infrastructure system, facilitating trade and travel; contribute to reducing transportation costs, enhancing competitiveness, attracting investment, and promoting the development of industrial parks, economic zones, and tourism. At the same time, it will gradually and effectively exploit the potential and advantages of the region, opening up new development spaces, forming economic corridors, urban areas, service zones, and logistics centers along the route…
Ensuring effective investment and a long-term vision.
Regarding the route, Option 2A follows the route outlined in Decision No. 1454/QD-TTg, essentially adhering to the road network plan, utilizing National Highways 60 and 57C, and major river crossings to reduce investment costs. Option 2A is approximately 150.8 km long, adjusting some sections through Tra Vinh (formerly) to avoid residential areas and reduce land acquisition costs; it also utilizes existing structures such as Rach Mieu 2 Bridge and Dai Ngai Bridge, connecting with Highway CT01, National Highways 60, and 57C.
 |
| CT33 contributes to strengthening connectivity with existing transport infrastructure including Rach Mieu, Ham Luong, Co Chien, and Dai Ngai bridges on National Highway 60. In the photo: The road connecting to Rach Mieu 2 bridge on National Highway 60. |
Phase 1 involves investing in the section from the CT34 expressway to National Highway 91B, approximately 20km long, and the section from National Highway 54 to National Highway 57C, approximately 53.2km long. Simultaneously, it expands and utilizes existing routes for connection, such as the Than Cuu Nghia branch (1.6km, 8 lanes), National Highway 60 via Rach Mieu 2 bridge, and National Highway 57C (9.5km).
Additionally, the Dai Ngai bridge will be utilized to manage traffic across the Hau River; several sections of National Highways 54 and 91B will be renovated and upgraded. The initial section from Ben Luc-Long Thanh to National Highway 57C will not be invested in during this phase. Phase 2 will focus on completing the remaining sections, approximately 77.65 km.
Localities through which the CT33 highway passes have basically agreed on the route according to Decision 1454/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister and the phased investment plan, with investment in the period before 2030. At the same time, the province has been assigned as the competent authority to implement the project.
In addition, the local authorities also offered many suggestions to ensure the effective and long-term implementation of the CT33 project, avoiding waste. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Thuan, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, stated that the proposed starting point location is not consistent with the recently approved Ho Chi Minh City planning and suggested further study and adjustment. Representatives from Tay Ninh province also requested further study of the route's location within their territory to ensure it aligns with the local planning.
Mr. Nguyen The Hong Trung, Director of the Department of Construction of Dong Thap province, also expressed concern about the risk of traffic congestion at the Dong Tam-My Tho intersection, especially when the volume of vehicles increases, which could affect the Rach Mieu bridge area and National Highway 1. He requested the investor to conduct further research.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City, expressed concern about using Dai Ngai Bridge for the expressway, arguing that it could limit traffic and pose a risk of congestion when other expressways are completed. He also proposed further research into the option of building another Dai Ngai Bridge.
According to the concluding statement of Comrade Tran Hong Minh - Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Minister of Construction - regarding the CT33 expressway (Ho Chi Minh City - Tien Giang - Ben Tre - Tra Vinh - Soc Trang): In principle, the Ministry of Construction supports the province's proposal. However, according to the approved plan, the investment process for the CT33 expressway is scheduled for after 2030. To implement it before 2030 as requested by the province, in accordance with Decision No. 1454/QD-TTg dated September 1, 2021, of the Prime Minister, the province is requested to study and propose mobilizing resources for investment, including public investment capital, or to work with interested businesses and investors to clarify feasibility…
Based on that, coordinate with the Ministry of Construction to report to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision. During the research process, it is requested that the province and relevant provinces and cities proactively review the location and route of the CT33 expressway to suit the conditions and potential for local socio-economic development, and strengthen connections with existing transport infrastructure including Rach Mieu, Ham Luong, Co Chien, and Dai Ngai bridges on National Highway 60 to improve efficiency and save investment capital under conditions of limited resources.
“Can Tho City has approved the planning for the former Soc Trang area. Regarding the Dai Ngai bridge project, the city has already planned the functional zones and is investing in the connecting road. Therefore, we request that the investor review and make appropriate adjustments to maximize the investment efficiency of the project,” Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa suggested.
Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Tran Tri Quang, stated that localities have agreed on the route according to Decision No. 1454/QD-TTg, the phased investment plan, the PPP model, and the investment roadmap for phase 1 before 2030. He also suggested that localities need to review the route of CT33 to ensure it aligns with existing transportation infrastructure. This will allow for the development of the best possible plan for the project hub. The province will compile this information to submit to the competent authorities for planning adjustments (if necessary), and promptly complete the next steps to ensure the project is implemented effectively and with a long-term vision.
Text and photos: KHANH DUY
Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/kinh-te/202604/cao-toc-ct33-mo-ra-truc-lien-ket-chien-luoc-lien-vung-92541c7/
Comment (0)