According to Luong Minh Phuc, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Investment and Construction of Traffic Works (the investor), the tunnel opened to two-way car traffic at noon, with two lanes in each direction. Motorcycles and container trucks are not permitted in the tunnel.

"The tunnel will reduce conflicting traffic movements, improve traffic flow, and allow us to proceed with other components of the intersection project," Phuc said.

The completed tunnel structure awaiting opening in 5/2025. Photo: Quynh Tran

The newly opened tunnel is the main component of the An Phu intersection project, the largest and most modern intersection in Ho Chi Minh City. The 4-lane tunnel is over 450 m long and 20 m wide, running along Mai Chi Tho Boulevard at its intersection with Dong Van Cong Street. The tunnel is equipped with lighting, fire protection systems, and a pumping station. The total investment for this component is approximately 342 billion VND.

The tunnel's structure, lighting, and signage were completed earlier, with an initial opening date set for the end of April. However, complex geological conditions, high groundwater levels, and technical issues delayed the completion of the pumping station, pushing back the opening.

In addition to this tunnel, the An Phu intersection project includes another tunnel directly connecting the aforementioned expressway to Mai Chi Tho Boulevard. Once open, the two tunnels will connect, allowing two-way traffic flow between the expressway and the Thu Thiem tunnel.

Rendering of the An Phu intersection project. Photo: Investor

Construction on the An Phu intersection project began in late 2022 with a total investment of over 3,400 billion VND. The three-level project includes the two-way tunnel connecting the expressway to Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, overpasses for turning traffic, a central roundabout at ground level, and a symbolic tower. The existing bridges around the intersection will also be expanded to accommodate additional traffic flow.

The An Phu intersection connects major transportation routes including the Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway, Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, Luong Dinh Cua Street, Nguyen Thi Dinh Street, and Dong Van Cong Street. It also serves as the gateway to Cat Lai, the country's largest port in terms of cargo volume, handling over 20,000 container trucks daily.

Giang Anh