Highways Worth Over $900 Million Race to Meet 2025 Deadline: Minister of Construction Issues Mandate to Developers

On November 2, Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh led a working delegation to inspect the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway project.

Joining the delegation from Dong Nai Province were Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, and Ho Van Ha, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee.

Over 70% Completion, Battling Weather to Meet Deadlines

The Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway is a key national infrastructure project, connecting the Southeast region with the port and international airport system. The project spans 53.7 km, with 34.2 km in Dong Nai Province and 19.5 km in Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province (formerly part of Ho Chi Minh City). It is designed to meet expressway standards with a speed limit of 100 km/h, featuring 4-6 lanes in phase 1 and expanding to 6-8 lanes in the final phase. The total investment has been adjusted to VND 21,551 billion, as per National Assembly Resolution No. 221/2025.

According to the plan, the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway is expected to be substantially completed in 2025 and fully operational by 2026. This will significantly reduce congestion on National Highway 51, enhance connectivity within the Southern Key Economic Region, and drive socio-economic development across the area.

Project Management Unit 85 (Ministry of Construction), the investor of Component Project 2, reported that over 70% of the contract value has been achieved for the entire 18 km section, with many critical components nearing completion. Specifically, 84% of K95 earthwork, 54% of crushed stone base, and 20% of asphalt concrete have been completed. The bridge system has seen impressive progress, with 96% of bored piles and 97% of abutments finished, and all 708 girders fully cast.

However, continuous heavy rainfall has significantly impacted the project timeline. Nguyen Van Long, Acting Director of Project Management Unit 85, stated that to meet the technical completion deadline of December 19, 2025, as directed by the Prime Minister, the investor has urged contractors to maximize manpower and equipment for extended work hours, including night shifts. Despite these efforts, Long acknowledged that the rainy weather has severely affected progress.

Component Project 1, managed by Dong Nai Province, faces similar challenges. Nguyen Linh, Deputy Director of the Provincial Project Management Board, noted, “Contractors have resorted to using tarpaulins to work during rainy days, but the effectiveness remains low.”

Dinh Van Hung, Deputy General Director of Construction Corporation No. 1 (CC1), the contractor for Component Project 2, confirmed that sufficient materials are available for construction. “We are committed to meeting the agreed deadlines,” he assured.

“Full Throttle, Solid Progress”

During his site inspection, Minister Tran Hong Minh commended the efforts of local authorities, investors, and contractors in overcoming challenges to maintain progress.

Addressing the project teams on-site, Minister Minh emphasized the need for all stakeholders to focus on meeting project deadlines.

Minister Minh stressed that contractors must uphold their commitments to complete the projects on time. “Promises made must be kept, and commitments fulfilled. This is the final stretch, the last race. We must go all out, ensuring solid progress every step of the way, leveraging all practical experience.”

Additionally, Minister Minh instructed contractors to secure 100% of the required construction materials, particularly stone, for the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway project.

“All construction stone must be on-site. As the dry season approaches in the South, we must work around the clock when the weather permits to ensure project timelines,” he emphasized.