Load testing began on the morning of september 25 and is expected to conclude on september 29, encompassing both static and dynamic load checks. For the approach sections at both ends, the inspection unit utilized 12-16 vehicles, each weighing 25 tons, for a total load of 300-400 tons. On the main bridge, the number of vehicles increased to 16-24, carrying a total weight of 400-600 tons.

A convoy of vehicles load testing the Phuoc Khanh bridge on september 25. Photo: Ha Giang

During the load test, the convoy was systematically positioned at various points, focusing on areas subject to high stress or prone to deflection, such as mid-span sections. For static load testing, vehicles were arranged according to calculated diagrams to assess the structure, measuring displacement under load and after load removal. For dynamic load testing, vehicles drove across the bridge following an inspection plan to record any generated vibrations.

Engineers then compared the actual measured parameters against the design specifications to evaluate the structure's load-bearing capacity, stability, and compliance with technical requirements.

This testing represents one of the final stages before the Phuoc Khanh bridge is scheduled for operation in late september. Concurrently with the load testing, the contractor is completing the final asphalt paving, traffic safety systems, and other minor remaining items.

The Phuoc Khanh bridge spans the Long Tau river, connecting Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City, with Nhon Trach, Dong Nai. It serves as the final link on the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway, which extends from Tay Ninh through Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Nai. The structure is over 3 km long, featuring four lanes and two emergency lanes.

The main bridge section employs a cable-stayed design with a 300-meter main span and two towers approximately 155 meters high. Its navigational clearance is designed at 55 meters, placing it among Vietnam's highest structures, allowing marine vessels with over 30,000 tons deadweight to navigate the Long Tau river.

Phuoc Khanh bridge on the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway, september 2026. Photo: Quynh Tran

Phuoc Khanh is one of the largest packages within the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway project, which began in january 2016. Due to funding issues and loan agreements, construction on the bridge was halted in 2020 and only resumed in april 2025. The project has now completed over 99% of its volume. Once the bridge opens, the entire Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway will also become operational.

Construction on the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway commenced in 2014, with an initial total investment of 31.320 billion VND, later adjusted to approximately 29.587 billion VND. The entire route is nearly 58 km long, starting at the interchange with the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong expressway in Tay Ninh, passing through southern Ho Chi Minh City before connecting to National Route 51 in Dong Nai. The expressway features four lanes, two emergency lanes, and a design speed of 100 km/h.

Giang Anh