Can Tho - Ca Mau expressway experiences subsidence

After nearly two months of operation, several sections of approach roads at both ends of bridges on the Can Tho – Ca Mau expressway have subsided, requiring vehicles to reduce speed for safe passage.

Nguyen Thanh Huong, 32, who drove her family from Ca Mau to Can Tho after a trip, said many bridge approaches have deep subsidence, causing vehicles to scrape their undercarriages and bounce sharply. For safety, she reduces her speed to below 60 km/h in these sections.

The sloped area of bridge 78 on the subsided expressway section. *Photo: An Binh*

Similarly, Nguyen Van Hung, 36, who drives an 8-ton truck daily transporting vegetables and fruits from Can Tho to Ca Mau, also faces difficulties navigating bridge areas on the expressway.

According to Hung, subsidence at bridge approach connections appeared about two weeks ago and is worsening. "Every time I pass through here, I must slow down; if I drive fast, the truck jolts violently, and goods can shift and get damaged," he said. The frequent acceleration and deceleration add about 20 minutes to each trip and consume an extra 4-5 liters of fuel.

Cai Lon bridge approach on the Hau Giang - Ca Mau expressway section, showing subsidence. *Photo: An Binh*

The Can Tho – Ca Mau expressway, nearly 111 km long with four lanes, had a total investment of over 27.500 billion VND. The entire route opened on 19/1. This expressway shortens travel times from Ca Mau to Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City, reduces logistics costs, and stimulates economic development for provinces in the Mekong Delta.

Subsidence primarily occurs on the Can Tho – Hau Giang section, which spans over 37 km, at various points where approach roads meet bridge abutments, including Duong Go, Ca Dam, Tu Sang, Kenh Ngang, Nam Khau, and Sau Chau.

Additionally, sloped sections of bridges Xeo Lop 1, Nuoc Duc, Ba Be, Ong Ca, and Cai Lon also show subsidence of about 4-5 cm relative to the bridge abutments. Vehicles must reduce speed in these sections to minimize jolting and ensure the safety of passengers and cargo.

Construction crews addressing subsided bridge approaches on the expressway, 13/3. *Video: An Binh*

Regarding this issue, the My Thuan Project Management Board (the investor) stated that the expressway traverses an area with weak ground, primarily soft clayey mud with low bearing capacity. Therefore, during the initial operational phase, some localized subsidence may occur, mainly at elevated bridge approaches. This phenomenon was anticipated in the design documents and is not unusual.

The investor has instructed contractors to intensify subsidence monitoring, closely tracking developments at bridge approach locations, and to resurface the road with asphalt concrete to ensure safe passage for vehicles.

According to the management unit, once the ground stabilizes, localized subsidence will not significantly impact operations, ensuring the expressway runs smoothly.