The project has already attracted three investors including Nippon Koei, FECON and Transport Engineering Design Inc.
The People's Committee of Quang Ninh recently submitted a final proposal to to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc for construction of an undersea tunnel through Cua Luc Bay, Tuoi Tre reports. According to the proposal, building an undersea tunnel will ease traffic on Bai Chay Bridge and will connect Ha Long's western tourism zone to its eastern administrative zone.
The undersea tunnel will cost VND9.7 trillion to build and run 2.74 kilometers from the Vuon Dao T-junction in Bai Chay Ward to Vinhomes urban area in Hon Gai Ward. The tunnel will be 4.75 meters high and its 32.6-meter-wide road will span six lanes and will tolerate level seven earthquakes.
The tunnel is designed by Japanese engineer Takahasi Masatada, with the support from Transport Engineering Design Inc. If approved, the project will kick off this year and is scheduled to be completed in 2024. It would be Vietnam's first undersea tunnel project.
According to Nguyen Duc Long, head of the Quang Ninh People's Committee, it's necessary as investing in another traffic route will help complete the traffic system of the province. Director of Department of Planning and Investments Tran Van Hung told the news source that whenever there's a storm, authorities must close Bai Chay bridge, which affects the residents' daily commute. The proposed tunnel would be able to alleviate this problem.
[Photo via Vietnamnet]
