The Ministry of Construction has approved the investment plan to complete the Than Vu Tunnel, a section spanning from Tan Chau commune to Than Linh commune in Nghe An province, with a total length of about 8.2 km.
The project includes constructing the left tunnel (North-South direction) with 3 lanes, adjusting the traffic safety system of the existing right tunnel, and building connecting bridges and access roads to enable 6-lane operation at a design speed of 80-100 km/h.
 |
Cars passing through the right tunnel of Than Vu Tunnel in 7/2025. Photo: Duc Hung |
Cars passing through the right tunnel of Than Vu Tunnel in 7/2025. Photo: Duc Hung
The preliminary total investment for the project is 2,155 billion VND, sourced from the state budget. Construction is expected to begin this year, be substantially completed in 2026, and become operational in 2027.
The Than Vu Tunnel, built under a public-private partnership (PPP), is one of the most complex structures on the Dien Chau - Bai Vot section of the North-South Expressway. The tunnel cuts through complex geological formations and consists of two parallel tunnels, each 13.8 m wide. The left tunnel is 1,087 m long, and the right tunnel is 1,130 m long, with a distance of 45 m between their centerlines.
 |
Construction of the two Than Vu tunnels on the North-South Expressway through Nghe An province in 2023. Photo: Duc Hung |
Construction of the two Than Vu tunnels on the North-South Expressway through Nghe An province in 2023. Photo: Duc Hung
Currently, only the right tunnel is complete and operational with 2 lanes. The other tunnel's outer shell has been constructed to protect the structure and provide a temporary road for rescue and emergency exits.
In its current state, the Than Vu Tunnel presents a potential bottleneck, risking congestion during peak periods. The completion of the second tunnel is expected to synchronize the operational capacity of the entire route and enhance the investment efficiency of the North-South Expressway.
Anh Duy
