The Cat Lai bridge will span approximately 11,6 km, with its main bridge section measuring 3 km. It will feature 8 lanes and is designed for speeds of 80 km/h. The project's starting point is Nguyen Thi Dinh street, Cat Lai ward, Ho Chi Minh City, extending to Dai Phuoc commune, Dong Nai. The total investment for this project is approximately 20,600 billion dong. Upon completion, it will replace the Cat Lai ferry, which has suffered from chronic overload for many years.

Location of Cat Lai bridge construction. *Graphic: Hoang Khanh*

The Long Hung bridge, also known as Dong Nai 2, has a total length of approximately 12 km, with the bridge section spanning 2,3 km. It will connect National Highway 51 in Tam Phuoc ward, Dong Nai, with Belt Road 3 in Long Phuoc ward, Ho Chi Minh City. This project has a total investment of 11,495 billion dong, featuring 8 lanes and a designed speed of 80 km/h.

Both projects are being implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, specifically a build-transfer (BT) contract, by a consortium of investors led by Tong Cong ty Xay dung so 1. Once operational, these bridges will connect the northern and northeastern areas of Ho Chi Minh City with Dong Nai and Long Thanh airport, while also alleviating traffic on existing routes such as National Highway 1, National Highway 51, and the Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh stated that the Cat Lai bridge is not merely an isolated transport project but a strategic connection axis. It will help complete the inter-regional transport network between Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai, effectively linking Long Thanh airport, seaports, industrial zones, urban areas, and national arterial routes.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh giving directions at the Cat Lai bridge project's groundbreaking ceremony this morning. *Photo: Phuoc Tuan*

According to the government leader, the project will fundamentally address the chronic overload of the Cat Lai ferry, shorten travel times, reduce logistics costs, enhance the competitiveness of the Southern key economic region, and expand urban, industrial, and service development. The Deputy Prime Minister urged Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City to coordinate closely on land clearance and resettlement, ensuring citizens' rights. He also requested the investor and contractor to focus resources, implement scientific construction methods, ensure quality, progress, labor safety, and prevent losses or waste.

Phuoc Tuan