Ben Luc - Long Thanh Expressway Nears Full Completion After 12 Years

After 12 years of construction and multiple delays, the 58km Ben Luc - Long Thanh Expressway in southern Vietnam is slated for full completion in September. This project will connect the Mekong Delta region with the country's largest airport, Long Thanh International Airport, and aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Ho Chi Minh City. The expressway, with a total investment of VND 31.3 trillion (approximately USD 1.3 billion), traverses Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh City, and Tay Ninh provinces. It is considered the largest expressway project in the South, linking the eastern and southwestern regions and reducing traffic jams in Ho Chi Minh City. Construction began in 2014 with an initial five-year completion target. However, the project faced significant challenges related to investment policies and funding, leading to a halt when 80% of the work was completed. Following the resolution of these issues, the majority of construction is now finished, with full operation anticipated this September. Currently, several sections are operational, serving as crucial links for traffic between Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. However, the completion of the Binh Khanh and Phuoc Khanh bridges, in particular, had been a bottleneck. The Phuoc Khanh Bridge has recently been "jointly joined" (hop long), with final touches underway for the September opening. The expressway is designed with four traffic lanes and two emergency lanes, allowing a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Its opening is expected to significantly boost logistics efficiency in the Mekong Delta, fostering economic development. It is also anticipated to reduce the concentration of traffic in Ho Chi Minh City and promote development in surrounding areas. The Vietnamese government views infrastructure development as a key pillar of economic growth, and this expressway's completion marks an important step in strengthening the southern economic corridor. Large-scale infrastructure projects under the one-party system often involve complex administrative procedures and stakeholder coordination from planning to completion. This opening signifies Vietnam's continued commitment to infrastructure investment for economic advancement. In terms of relations with China, enhanced regional economic activity could contribute to greater economic independence.