According to the proposal submitted by Vingroup to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee (UBND) for appraisal of the investment policy report, the entire sea-crossing route will span over 14 km. The starting point is located on Bien Dong 2 street in the Can Gio urban area (Can Gio commune), with the endpoint at the intersection of the planned Sao Mai - Ben Dinh road and 30/4 street, in the Tam Thang ward and Rach Dua area of old Vung Tau city.

The route comprises three main sections: nearly 3 km of approach roads at both ends, approximately 8 km of bridge, and 3.1 km of submerged tunnel. Two artificial islands are planned at the tunnel entrances to house an operations center and technical facilities for operation.

Design plan for the sea-crossing route. Photo: Vingroup

The sea-crossing route is proposed to have a scale of 6-8 lanes. The approach roads at both ends will feature 8 lanes, including 6 motorized vehicle lanes and two rudimentary lanes. However, the bridge and tunnel sections will only accommodate 6 oto lanes due to complex structures, their location amidst the sea, and significant exposure to strong winds and storms, making it unsafe for two-wheelers.

According to the consulting unit, motorbikes can use another planned coastal route connecting Can Gio to provincial road 992 in Vung Tau. This route is expected to include major bridges with a scale of 6 motorized vehicle lanes and two mixed-use lanes.

Design of the sea-crossing bridge section with a 27 m cross-section, including 6 motorized vehicle lanes. Photo: Vingroup

For the most complex technical component, the submerged tunnel, consultants proposed two options: a submerged tunnel (similar to the Thu Thiem tunnel) and a tunnel excavated by a tunnel boring machine (TBM), like the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line. After comparison, the submerged tunnel option was deemed more feasible and thus proposed for adoption. The tunnel will have a cross-section of 35.1 m, with 22.5 m allocated for 6 two-way motorized vehicle lanes, each 3.75 m wide; the remaining space is for emergency exits and safety strips.

The bridge section of the route will have a cross-section of 27 m, featuring 6 motorized vehicle lanes, along with a median, guardrails, and safety strips. The bridge's clearance is designed to ensure large vessels can pass through Ghenh Rai Bay.

According to the updated study report, the total investment for the project is approximately 92,663 billion dong, including loan interest, which is lower than previous estimates. Of this, the tunnel cost is estimated at nearly 35,000 billion dong, and the bridge cost is about 23,400 billion dong.

Proposed location of the sea-crossing route connecting Can Gio - Vung Tau. Graphic: Tam Thao

The project is proposed to be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, specifically a build-transfer (BT) contract. The investor will provide all capital, including land clearance costs, without using state budget funds; in return, the state will provide payment in equivalent land value.

Vingroup has proposed to be the project investor, with an expected groundbreaking in Q2/2026 and completion in early 2029.

Can Gio is approximately 15 km from Vung Tau across Ghenh Rai Bay. Currently, the shortest travel route between the two localities is by ferry, operating from 6h to 22h, with a fare of about 70,000 dong per trip. Upon completion, the sea-crossing route is expected to enhance regional connectivity, facilitate travel, and boost the development of tourism, seaports, and logistics.

Giang Anh