Construction deadline of $328 mln bridge to be extended

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has proposed the Prime Minister to extend the completion of the construction of Dai Ngai Bridge to 2027 instead of 2026 as scheduled.

The extension will not cause an increase of its investment capital, according to the MoT.

Construction of the cable-stayed bridge, which runs over the Hau river and connects Mekong Delta’s Tra Vinh and Soc Trang provinces, started last October.

The project features two four-lane bridges, including the cable-stayed Dai Ngai 1 Bridge over Dinh An channel which is more than 2.5 km long and 19 m wide; and the 862m-long, 17.5m-wide Dai Ngai 2 Bridge over Tran De channel.

Construction of the Dai Ngai 2 Bridge and other works are being implemented and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.

Construction of the Dai Ngai 1 Bridge, the main bridge of the project, however, requires more careful study and technical design due to complex wind conditions and geological features. Technical design is expected for completion by the end of May so construction of the bridge is scheduled to start in August after selecting contractors.

The construction is expected to last at least 42 months so the bridge is slated for completion by the end of 2027.

Total investment capital of the project is estimated at some VND8 trillion (nearly $315 million) from the State budget.

Considered a vital coastal transport route connecting localities in the Mekong Delta region, the project will help shorten the travel distance from Ca Mau, Bac Lieu and Soc Trang provinces to HCM City on National Highway No. 60  compared to the current route along National Highway No. 1.

Once completion, it will be the third cable-stayed bridge spanning Hau River, besides Can Tho and Vam Cong bridges, which helps facilitate traffic along National Highway No. 60 in the Mekong Delta region.