The construction of the 991B road, a vital transportation link between the Cai Mep – Thi Vai port cluster and National Highway 51, as well as key industrial zones and logistics hubs, is entering its final stages with the aim to complete the entire project by 2025.
VTC News reporters witnessed a bustling atmosphere at the Rach Ong Bridge, one of the project’s critical components, in the early days of August. Despite unpredictable weather, the construction unit worked overtime and extended hours to ensure timely progress.
In reality, despite being initiated years ago, the 991B road project has faced numerous challenges and delays. One significant obstacle has been the shortage of construction materials, particularly fill and stone, which has prolonged the timeline for several components.
Additionally, the road traverses a complex terrain with weak soil conditions and is susceptible to harsh weather. Especially during prolonged rainy seasons, construction faces significant challenges, particularly in sections requiring dry and stable conditions, such as road foundations, bridge piers, and surfacing, to ensure both technical quality and timely progress.
The 991B road project, with a total investment of nearly VND 4,000 billion (including VND 2,459 billion in construction costs), was approved by the Prime Minister in August 2016. Spanning 9.73 km, the road starts at National Highway 51 and ends at the downstream of Cai Mep port.
The route features several large-scale bridges, including a 664-meter-long overpass on National Highway 51, the Mo Nhat Bridge with a length of 766.5 meters and a main span of 80 + 3×120 + 80, the Rạch Tre Bridge at nearly 84 meters, and the Rach Ong Bridge, spanning over 393 meters. Additionally, there are two crucial intersections connecting to National Highway 51 and Road 965.
The project comprises two main packages. Package 36 (from the inter-port road to Mo Nhat Bridge) has completed over 92% of the construction volume, while Package 37 (from the starting point to Mo Nhat Bridge) has reached over 67%. The total value implemented so far is VND 1,952 billion, equivalent to 84.04% of the plan.
Regarding land clearance, the project required the retrieval of 35.77 hectares, impacting 216 households and organizations. Previously, the People’s Committee of Phu My City had completed compensation payments totaling VND 117.5 billion. In 2024, the project was allocated VND 200 billion in central budget capital, with a disbursement rate of 96.21%. For 2025, the planned capital is VND 651 billion, of which about 6.72% has been disbursed.
The 991B road project holds significant importance in the development strategy of the Cai Mep – Thi Vai deep-water port cluster and the national logistics system. Upon completion, the route will help decongest National Highway 51 and reduce transportation time for cargo from the port to inter-regional expressways such as Bien Hoa – Vung Tau and the DT994 coastal road.
Furthermore, the road will contribute to enhancing connectivity between the port system and industrial zones and logistics centers in the region, stimulating economic and social development in the former province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Ho Chi Minh City. This infrastructure project is considered a pivotal and breakthrough initiative in the transportation development of the Southeast region.
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