The Decade-Long Journey: Vietnam’s Tallest Cable-Stayed Bridge Project Nears Completion

This is the Bình Khánh Bridge, a project that is nearing completion in August 2025. On June 28, the Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) held a ceremony to mark the completion of the main structure of the Bình Khánh Bridge, which is part of the Bến Lức – Long Thành Expressway. With this milestone, the bridge now connects Nhà Bè and Cần Giờ districts across the Soài Rạp River.

The construction of the Bình Khánh Bridge first began in August 2015, with a total investment of over VND 2,800 billion. However, the project was temporarily halted in late 2018 due to capital constraints when it had reached about 70% progress. Construction resumed in October 2023, and as of the end of June 2025, the project has achieved nearly 93% completion, striving for completion this year.

After the main structure was completed, the contractor proceeded to work on the bridge deck, asphalt concrete pavement, and auxiliary items. The goal is to complete the entire package by August 30, according to the approved adjusted schedule.

According to the Southern Expressway Management Authority, the Bình Khánh Bridge is a crucial link and determines the progress of the entire Bến Lức – Long Thành Expressway project.

The bridge is 2.763 km long and designed with a modern two-plane cable-stayed technology, with a main span of 375 m and two towers reaching 155 m high. The towers depict the image of the mangrove tree, a characteristic species of the Cần Giờ mangrove forest. The cable system not only bears the load but also enhances the aesthetics and architectural symbolism of the Bình Khánh Bridge.

Notably, the Bình Khánh Bridge has a navigable height of 55 m, the highest in Vietnam, meeting the standards for safe and convenient passage of large ships through the main channel into Ho Chi Minh City’s important port cluster.

The bridge is over 20 m wide, with four lanes and two emergency lanes, allowing speeds of 80 – 100 km/h. Additionally, the bridge is equipped with a central divider, guardrails, and a lighting system.

The Bến Lức – Long Thành Expressway Features Two Major Bridges

The Bến Lức – Long Thành Expressway is over 57 km long and has an investment of more than VND 31,000 billion. The project started in July 2014 and is expected to seamlessly connect the Southeast and Mekong Delta regions upon completion. When combined with Ho Chi Minh City’s Ring Road 3 (currently under construction), it will form a complete loop, facilitating travel between provinces and seamless connections to other regions.

Due to complex geological and hydrological conditions, the Bến Lức – Long Thành Expressway includes over 20 km of bridges and viaducts. Among them are two large cable-stayed bridges: the Bình Khánh Bridge and the Phước Khánh Bridge. The Phước Khánh Bridge, which began construction in August 2015, spans 3.1 km with a main span of 300 m across the Lòng Tàu River. The two towers are 135 m high, providing a navigable height of 55 m for ships with a tonnage of less than 50,000 tons. In 2019, the project reached about 80.7% completion but had to stop due to mechanism and capital constraints.

The expressway was initially expected to be completed in 2019 but faced delays due to capital and policy challenges. The project is now adjusted to be completed by September 30, 2026.