Construction begins on the expansion project of the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong - My Thuan expressway.

DONG THAP - The Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong - My Thuan expressway expansion project, launched under the PPP model with 100% private capital, is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in the Mekong Delta region.

On the morning of December 19th, in Dong Thap province, the Ministry of Construction, in coordination with the consortium of investors, held the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion project of the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong - My Thuan expressway under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The project has a total investment of VND 36,172 billion, with Deo Ca Group acting as the representative of the consortium of investors. This is the largest BOT transportation project to date that mobilizes 100% private capital, without using state capital, affirming the increasingly prominent role of the private sector in the development of national strategic infrastructure.

Perspective view of the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong - My Thuan expressway expansion project. Photo: Archival material.

The Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong - My Thuan expressway has a total length of over 96km, passing through Ho Chi Minh City, Long An province, and Dong Thap province. Specifically, the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong section has been expanded to 8 lanes with a design speed of 120km/h; the Trung Luong - My Thuan section and the section from the An Thai Trung interchange to the northern end of My Thuan 2 bridge have been fully developed to 6 lanes with a design speed of 100km/h.

Besides widening the road surface, the project also includes the synchronized investment in an intelligent transportation system (ITS), rest stops, and modern toll stations, aiming for international highway standards. The entire route is expected to be completed and put into operation in 2028, contributing to improved traffic capacity and reduced congestion on this vital transportation artery of the region.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Deputy Minister of Construction Bui Xuan Dung emphasized that the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong - My Thuan expressway plays a particularly important role for the Southern key economic region and the Mekong Delta. Investing in and expanding this expressway will contribute to improving transportation capacity, meeting increasing traffic demand, reducing logistics costs, enhancing competitiveness, and creating momentum for socio-economic development, while also ensuring national defense and security.

Deputy Minister Bui Xuan Dung delivered a speech at the ceremony. Photo: Minh Dam.

To ensure the project proceeds on schedule, with guaranteed quality and investment efficiency, the Deputy Minister of Construction requested the People's Committees of Ho Chi Minh City and the provinces of Tay Ninh and Dong Thap to continue to decisively direct land clearance work, promptly handing over clean land and preventing bottlenecks that could affect the overall progress. Local authorities need to coordinate closely in resolving procedures related to material quarries and waste disposal sites, ensuring security and order, and organizing safe traffic throughout the construction process. At the same time, the Vietnam Road Administration and relevant specialized agencies are requested to strengthen inspection and supervision, promptly guide and resolve any arising issues.

Representing the consortium of investors, Mr. Ho Minh Hoang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Deo Ca Group, said that immediately after the groundbreaking ceremony, the investors completed preparations for the executive office, work area, and accommodation for workers; machinery, equipment, and personnel have been fully assembled to be ready for construction. Because the project is being implemented on an existing expressway, construction will take place simultaneously with maintaining traffic flow, requiring very high standards of traffic safety.

To meet this requirement, Deo Ca Group has developed a phased construction plan, separating the construction site with a barrier system and completing each section lane by lane. When a new section is completed, traffic will be diverted to continue construction of the remaining sections, ensuring progress while maintaining smooth and safe traffic flow on the existing route and minimizing disruption to people's lives.

Mr. Ho Minh Hoang, representing the contractor, gives his remarks. Photo: Minh Dam.

Simultaneously, investors are stepping up the application of technology in management and construction. The project will be managed using a digital model, applying BIM, and gradually adopting modern technologies; while also coordinating with universities and colleges to train technical human resources and improve the practical skills of engineers and workers.

Notably, the entire implementation plan and responsibilities of all participating entities will be publicly and transparently disclosed, allowing citizens and authorities to monitor progress through a "countdown clock," with the overarching principle: "To open the road on the ground, you must first open the road of responsibility."

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/khoi-cong-du-an-mo-rong-cao-toc-tphcm--trung-luong--my-thuan-d790208.html