“Vinaconex’s Tender for the Vinh Hao – Phan Thiet Expressway: Poor Quality Exposed After Just 2 Years”

Continuous Deterioration of the Highway at Package XL04, Constructed by Vinaconex

It is understood that Package XL04 spans from Km 185+400 to Km 235+000, with a total length of approximately 49.6 km. The starting point is at Km185+400 in Song Luy commune, Bac Binh district, connecting to the section from Km168 to Km185+400. The endpoint is at Km235+0, intersecting National Highway 1 at Km 2+500 in Ham Kiem commune, Ham Thuan Nam district (coinciding with the starting point of the investment project for the Phan Thiet – Dau Giay section).

The winning bidder, a joint venture between Vietnam Construction and Import-Export Corporation (Vinaconex) and VNCN E&C Joint Stock Company, was awarded the XL04 package for construction, survey, and design with a contract value of over VND 3,200 billion, to be completed within 24 months.

During the construction process, the contractors were repeatedly reminded by the Ministry of Transport (now the Ministry of Construction) about their unsatisfactory progress and were urged to tightly control the quality of the project.

After two years of operation, from June 2023 up until now, the project has significantly contributed to the socio-economic development of Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, and adjacent provinces. However, there have also been instances of deterioration along the route.

According to observations, the expansion joints on several bridges along the main route are showing signs of deterioration and damage, with abnormal vibrations occurring each time a vehicle passes over them. This situation has persisted for several months without any improvements. For example, the Suoi Sau and Cho Dam bridges.

Prior to this, the project was also criticized for the occurrence of peeling on the highway surface, most notably from km 226 to km 235. Notably, both of these issues belong to Package XL04, which was constructed by Vinaconex.

To address the peeling issues, Vietnam Construction and Import-Export Joint Stock Company (VNCN E&C) has notified relevant units that they will carry out repairs. As this period is still within the warranty period, the responsibility for repairing and resolving the above-mentioned road surface peeling issues lies with the contractor.

Regarding the latest developments related to the deterioration and damage of expansion joints on some bridges, the 886 – Thanh Nam Construction Investment Joint Stock Company (the unit in charge of regular management and maintenance from km194 to km234) stated that they had reported to the Road Management Office IV.1 twice, requesting the investor to address the issues.

According to the company, the expansion joints on the two bridges exhibit concrete cracking, loose bolts, and potential risks to traffic and operational safety.

In a conversation with MarketTimes, a representative from Project Management Unit 7 of the Ministry of Construction, the investor of the Vinh Hao – Phan Thiet Highway project, stated that the contractors are currently rectifying the issues and have hired a maintenance unit to address the problems immediately upon receiving the feedback.

The Road Bureau Urges Timely Repairs and Improvements

Following public feedback, the Road Bureau requested Project Management Unit 7 of the Ministry of Construction to promptly remind the contractors to carry out necessary repairs and improvements.

According to the Road Bureau, the Vinh Hao – Phan Thiet section investment project is part of the North-South Expressway East Phase 2017-2020 project, with Project Management Unit 7 as the investor. The project was completed and handed over to Road Management Unit IV for management and operation from June 6, 2024, and is currently within the warranty period.

During the operation and exploitation of the route, some defects and potential safety hazards have emerged, including damaged, cracked, and potholed road and bridge surfaces. Additionally, there are issues with eroded and collapsed road shoulders and talus, faded lane markings, and missing bolts in guardrails and expansion joints with cracked concrete and loose bolts. The Road Bureau and Road Management Unit IV have issued multiple documents urging the investor and related units to promptly address these issues.

However, the bureau noted that the repairs and improvements have not been timely, and there is a significant risk of further damage during the rainy season.

To ensure traffic safety and the integrity of the structure, the bureau requested Project Management Unit 7 to inspect and direct relevant units to promptly rectify the defects and shortcomings along the route, with a completion date set before June 20, 2025.

Road Management Unit IV was also instructed to regularly inspect and urge the investor and related units to fulfill their warranty obligations and address the existing issues along the route.