In Ho Chi Minh City, there are 4 key transportation projects currently being implemented, which include Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien), Beltway 3, An Phu Interchange, and the expansion of National Highway 50. These projects have a total investment capital of nearly 90,000 billion VND and are under expedited construction. However, some of these projects are progressing slower than planned.
Metro Line No.1
Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) commenced construction in 2012 with a total investment of over 43,700 billion VND. The entire Metro Line 1 is approximately 20 km long, stretching from Ben Thanh Station in District 1 to the Long Binh Depot in Thu Duc City, including 14 stations (3 underground stations and 11 elevated stations). Currently, Metro Line 1 has achieved 96.48% of its construction progress.
According to the economic and social situation report for October and the first 10 months of 2023 from the Ho Chi Minh City Statistics Office, the construction and testing activities of the entire Metro Line 1 project in Ho Chi Minh City for the fourth quarter of 2023 are still facing significant challenges according to the plan.
The reason for these challenges is that the contractor, Hitachi (responsible for package 3), has not yet carried out various tasks such as training, maintenance, and coordination with other construction contractors. They have not effectively coordinated with other related tasks aimed at expediting the progress of constructing elevated stations as part of package 2.
The Metro Line 1 project is expected to complete its construction by the end of the fourth quarter of 2023, with the project's maintenance period scheduled from 2024 to 2028.
The National Highway 50 expansion plan
The expansion project of National Highway 50 in Binh Chanh district is invested with nearly 1.5 trillion VND, spanning nearly 7 kilometers, expanding to a width of 34 meters with 6 lanes. Over 4 kilometers of new road runs parallel to National Highway 50, while the remaining section involves widening the existing road. Additionally, two bridges, Ba Lon and Ong Thin, are being constructed in a synchronized manner on this route.
The expansion project of National Highway 50 is experiencing delays due to land clearance issues and the relocation of technical infrastructure. The project commenced with contracts for construction packages 1, 2, 4 (building new parallel sections) and package 3 (Ba Lon Bridge), with a combined progress of approximately 24% for these four packages.
The project consists of 9 construction packages along with other contracts, and out of these, 4 construction packages have completed the selection of contractors and consulting for supervision. It is anticipated that the National Highway 50 expansion project will be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2024.
HCM City's Ring Road 3
The Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road 3 project has a total investment of 75.378 trillion VND. It spans 76 kilometers and passes through 4 localities: Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and Long An, involving 8 component projects, with each locality working on two projects, including construction and land clearance. In particular, the section of Ring Road 3 that passes through Ho Chi Minh City is over 47 kilometers long and has a total investment of over 41,000 billion VND.
The land clearance for Component 1 of Ring Road 3 in Ho Chi Minh City is currently at a handover rate of 92%. Hoc Mon District has achieved 100% completion, while Cu Chi District, Binh Chanh District, and Thu Duc City have handed over land at rates of 97.61%, 94.59%, and 76.15%, respectively. It is expected that the land compensation and clearance work for Component 1 will be completed before December 31, 2023.
Component 2 of the Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road 3 project is still on track. Machinery and construction materials have been gathered to support the land leveling and construction work.
An Phu Interchange Project
The An Phu Interchange Project, located in Thu Duc City, commenced at the end of 2022 with a total investment of over 3,400 billion VND. The project aims to address traffic congestion and enhance the connectivity between the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway and various roadways such as Xa Lo Ha Noi, Mai Chi Tho, Dong Van Cong, Luong Dinh Cua, and Nguyen Thi Dinh in the area.
The structure is designed with 3 levels, including a two-way underground tunnel connecting the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway with Mai Chi Tho Street (under the Thu Thiem tunnel), extending through the intersection of Mai Chi Tho and Dong Van Cong.
Above, two overpasses are being constructed. One is a Y-shaped overpass connecting Mai Chi Tho Street (on the side of Ha Noi Highway) and Luong Dinh Cua Street with the expressway, and the other is a right-turn overpass from the expressway onto Mai Chi Tho Street (on the side of Ha Noi Highway).
The project includes constructing the central island, an iconic tower, as well as various features like water bodies, fountain displays, and artistic lighting. Additionally, the project involves building Bà Dat Bridge and Giồng Ông Tố Bridge.
The tunnel section on Mai Chi Tho Street is currently in the shaping phase, while the area on Dong Van Cong Street is preparing to pour concrete for the installation of large bridge steel frames. The construction project is being expedited to ensure it stays on schedule.
Source: Lao Dong Newspaper
