Construction Date Set for Hoang Lien Mountain Pass Tunnel
Recently, Mr. Bùi Quang Vinh, Director of Lai Chau’s Department of Construction, announced in the Construction Newspaper that the Hoang Lien Mountain Pass Tunnel project connecting Lao Cai and Lai Chau is under appraisal for government submission and bidding selection. The project, managed by the Project Management Unit for Traffic Construction Investment in Lai Chau Province, is scheduled to break ground on December 19, 2025, and be completed by 2027.
AI-generated future image of the Hoang Lien Mountain Pass Tunnel by ChatGPT
This is excellent news for the residents of Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces, as well as drivers who frequently navigate the treacherous mountain pass known as the “King of Northwest Passes.”
According to the initial proposal, the completed Hoang Lien Mountain Pass Tunnel will be Vietnam’s highest road tunnel. It will start at Km78+00 on National Highway 4D in Son Binh Commune, former Tam Duong District, Lai Chau Province, and end at Road D1 (as per Sa Pa’s planning) in O Quy Ho Ward, former Lao Cai Province.
Route alignment plan. Photo: laichau.gov.vn
The total route length is approximately 8.8 km, including a 2.63 km main tunnel and a 2.65 km auxiliary tunnel. The project spans 4.6 km in Lai Chau Province and 4.2 km in Lao Cai Province. The proposed road will be a Grade III mountain road, designed for speeds up to 60 km/h with a 9-meter-wide roadbed.
The tunnel system consists of two tubes separated by 30 meters. The main tunnel is 2.63 km long, and the auxiliary tunnel is 2.65 km long, designed to Japanese mountain tunnel standards combined with TCVN 4528:1988.
Cross-section design of the Hoang Lien Mountain Pass Tunnel. Photo: Communist Party of Vietnam’s E-newspaper
The main tunnel will be fully excavated, reinforced, and equipped for operation, accommodating two-way traffic with two lanes. The tunnel’s permanent design features a reinforced concrete shell, 9.75 meters wide, and a 5-meter vertical clearance. Auxiliary and cross tunnels will be constructed at necessary points, 4.7 meters wide, serving as emergency shelters.
The total investment is 3.3 trillion VND, with construction costs at 2,229.799 billion VND and equipment costs at 258.765 billion VND.
The “King of Northwest Passes” – Vietnam’s Most Treacherous Route
The O Quy Ho Pass, or Hoang Lien Pass, connecting Sa Pa (Lao Cai) and Tam Duong (Lai Chau), stretches over 20 km with sharp hairpin turns. During the rainy season, landslides frequently paralyze traffic.
However, this pass is on the brink of transformation. The upcoming Hoang Lien road tunnel will replace the hazardous route, unlocking development opportunities for both Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces.
The tunnel will significantly reduce travel time and enhance safety for drivers crossing Hoang Lien Pass. AI-generated illustration by ChatGPT
Currently, the long, steep route with approximately 30 hairpin turns, many with gradients exceeding 10-15%, remains a driver’s nightmare. Hazardous locations like Cong Troi Peak and Rong May Glass Bridge often experience accidents and congestion.
Once the tunnel is operational, these dangerous turns will be eliminated, reducing travel time across Hoang Lien Pass from 50 minutes to 8 minutes for cars and from 2 hours to less than 10 minutes for trucks.
Hoang Lien Pass. Photo: dulich.laichau.gov.vn
The new tunnel will not only save time but also eliminate risks associated with natural disasters. During the rainy season, landslides are common; in winter, dense fog and ice make the road treacherous. The tunnel will ensure safe passage for vehicles and travelers year-round.
Strategically, the project will directly connect Lai Chau with major hubs like Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh, as well as popular Northwest tourist destinations. This is seen as a key development strategy for both Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces.
Additionally, the project is expected to boost logistics and cross-border trade via the Ma Lu Thang (Vietnam) – Jinshuihe (China) international border gate, while attracting international tourists to the Northwest region. Beyond economic benefits, the tunnel will enhance national defense, security, and border sovereignty.
Saving for 25 Years, Yet the Dream of Homeownership Remains Elusive Due to Skyrocketing Prices
Soaring home prices are eroding the dream of homeownership for millions of hardworking individuals, particularly young families, forcing them into an uneven race against the escalating cost of real estate.
Launching and Commencing 10 Key Projects and Initiatives for APEC 2027
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung emphasized that the projects serving APEC 2027 demonstrate the seamless coordination between the central government and local authorities, as well as between the state and businesses. With the upcoming synchronized infrastructure system, Phu Quoc will not only be the destination for APEC 2027 but also a symbol of an innovative and creative Vietnam, striving towards the goal of becoming a developing country with a modern industrial base by 2030.
Prime Minister Mandates Immediate Smart City Implementation in Six Major Cities
The Prime Minister has mandated that relevant ministries, agencies, and six key cities expedite the approval of smart city proposals by September, with immediate implementation to commence in 2025.
Vietnam Overtakes China as Global Footwear Manufacturing Hub: Boston’s 90-Year-Old Firm Relocates to Dong Nai, with 40-50% of Nike and Adidas Shoes Now Made in Vietnam
Once an unshakeable titan, China’s decades-long reign as the world’s “sneaker factory” is facing unprecedented upheaval. A seismic shift in global supply chains is underway, with Vietnam emerging as the brightest new destination, magnetizing billion-dollar orders from industry giants like Nike and Adidas.
Unleashing Economic Potential: VCCI Advocates for Transformative Reforms in Vietnam’s Investment and Business Laws
This legislative draft embodies a bold spirit of reform, poised to establish a robust legal framework that will catalyze economic breakthroughs during this pivotal transition phase.
