This information was revealed by Ho Van Ha, vice chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Nai province, during a working session on September 9 with Construction Corporation No. 1 (CC1) regarding the investment and construction of the Cat Lai bridge, which will replace the ferry across the Dong Nai river.

Mr. Ha stated that the Cat Lai bridge project is essential for Dong Nai to complete its regional transport infrastructure network. The local government aims to start construction of the bridge in 2026 and put it into operation in 2028. Therefore, relevant agencies must complete the project dossier for the provincial People's Council to approve the investment policy.

Without a bridge, transportation in the area relies on the Cat Lai ferry. Photo: Quynh Tran

Without a bridge, transportation in the area relies on the Cat Lai ferry. Photo: Quynh Tran

According to CC1, the proposing investor, the project has a total length of over 11.6 km, including the 4.7 km Cat Lai bridge, with an investment of 18,000 billion VND (excluding interest during construction).

The bridge starts on Nguyen Thi Dinh street, about 400 m from the My Thuy intersection, and ends at the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway. The bridge is designed for a speed of 80 km/h, with a width of 33.5 m, 8 lanes, and a clearance height of over 55 m.

Regarding the investment model, CC1 proposed a public-private partnership (PPP), with three options: 1. Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) and Build-Transfer (BT) contracts paid by the state budget; 2. BT contract paid by the state budget; and 3. BT contract paid by land funds. CC1 recommended the first option.

The idea of building the Cat Lai bridge has been long considered by Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City due to increasing traffic in the area. However, it hasn't been implemented for many years due to funding difficulties and disagreements on the location.

With Long Thanh airport nearing completion and expected to operate next year, the bridge construction has become urgent. The completed bridge will not only connect the Nhon Trach industrial hub but also provide an additional route from Ho Chi Minh City to the airport, besides National Highway 1, 51, and the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh expressway.

The proposed bridge location is near the current Cat Lai ferry. Graphics: Minh Bang

The proposed bridge location is near the current Cat Lai ferry. Graphics: Minh Bang

In addition to the Cat Lai bridge, Construction Corporation No. 1 also proposed investing in the 11.7 km Long Hung (Dong Nai 2) bridge, connecting Ho Chi Minh City's Ring Road 3 (Long Phuoc ward) across the Dong Nai river to An Phuoc commune (Dong Nai province), with an estimated cost of nearly 11,000 billion VND.

Phuoc Tuan