Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway (HCMC section) accelerates toward completion
The Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway project is entering its final phase, particularly the section running through Ho Chi Minh City. With most major components already completed and construction progress being continuously accelerated, the project is expected to be put into operation by September 2025. Once completed, the expressway is anticipated to ease long-standing traffic congestion on National Highway 51 and create fresh momentum for economic development across the Southeast region. Beyond its transportation significance, the expressway is regarded as a strategic connectivity corridor linking Ho Chi Minh City with the port system, industrial zones, and tourism urban areas of Ba Ria – Vung Tau. The project will play a key role in completing the southern inter-regional infrastructure network and strengthening regional economic integration.
Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway Accelerates Construction Through Ho Chi Minh City
According to on-site observations, Component Project 3 of the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway, which runs through Ho Chi Minh City, has completed most of its key construction items. The main carriageway has been fully asphalted, lane markings have been applied, and traffic safety systems have been installed in accordance with technical design standards.
Construction has faced numerous challenges, particularly due to prolonged rainy weather and complex geological conditions. Nevertheless, contractors have maintained continuous operations and extended working hours to keep the project on schedule. The early completion of major components reflects the strong commitment of both the project owner and contractors to meeting the planned timeline.
On April 19, 2025, the project conducted a technical opening ceremony, marking an important milestone in the construction process. However, the expressway has not yet been officially opened to traffic, as several overpasses and key interchanges still require synchronized completion to ensure absolute safety during operation.
At major interchanges such as Hoi Bai – Chau Pha, workers are racing to lay asphalt and finalize remaining construction items. These works are expected to be completed by July 2025, paving the way for the entire route to be ready for operation as scheduled.
Easing Pressure on National Highway 51, Strengthening Regional Connectivity
Phase 1 of the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway spans approximately 19.5 kilometers, with a total investment of over VND 4.963 trillion. The expressway is designed with four lanes, an operating speed of 100 km/h, and includes 11 bridges, one underpass, and two major interchanges.
Once officially operational, the expressway will significantly shorten travel time between Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria – Vung Tau, while substantially easing congestion on National Highway 51 - an artery that has suffered from severe overload for many years, particularly during peak periods of cargo transport and tourism.
Beyond urban connectivity, the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway will establish a vital transport corridor linking deep-water seaports, key industrial zones, and logistics hubs across the Southeast region. This connectivity is expected to help reduce transportation costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and enhance regional competitiveness.
National Highway 51 shows clear signs of deterioration (Source: Collected)
Construction Progress Varies Across Localities
Despite the rapid progress seen in the Ho Chi Minh City section, construction of the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway through Dong Nai Province remains behind the overall schedule. In several areas, roadbeds have yet to be completed, and many major components are still in the early stages of construction.
These delays are largely attributed to land clearance challenges and difficult construction conditions in border areas. In response, the project owner has stated that close coordination with local authorities is underway to resolve bottlenecks, alongside increased manpower, equipment deployment, and overtime construction to make up for lost progress.
Ensuring synchronized progress across all sections is critical to achieving efficient operation of the entire expressway and avoiding potential bottlenecks once the route is put into service.
A New Catalyst for Socio-Economic Development in the Southeast
With construction progressing rapidly—particularly along the Ho Chi Minh City section - the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway is moving closer to its target completion date of September 2025. Once operational, the expressway is expected not only to address immediate traffic challenges but also to serve as a long-term catalyst for socio-economic development across the Southeast region.
Improved transport infrastructure is likely to spur growth in sectors such as real estate, industry, logistics, and tourism. At the same time, faster connectivity between Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces will facilitate population redistribution, ease pressure on the urban core, and promote more balanced and sustainable regional development.