The Phuoc Khanh Bridge, a critical component of the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway, is on track for completion in September, with its main spans expected to be joined by mid-July. This update was provided on 16/6 by Phan Van Quan, Deputy Director of Bac Trung Nam Infrastructure Construction Joint Stock Company and a representative for the contractor consortium. The project has achieved approximately 80% of its volume since restarting over one year ago.

This bridge is the last major remaining section of the nearly 58-kilometer Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway, which traverses Tay Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dong Nai. Currently, around 200 engineers and workers are operating in three daily shifts at the construction site. The tower pillars, cable-stayed system, and most of the main structural elements are largely complete.

The main span of Phuoc Khanh Bridge seen from above, 16/6. Photo: Giang Anh

Contractors are now focused on building the remaining beam sections. These sections will connect the main span with the two approach bridges and facilitate the joining of the two main spans. Following this crucial phase, workers will finalize the bridge deck, the cable damper system, railings, lighting, and other auxiliary components.

The Phuoc Khanh Bridge spans the Long Tau River, linking Can Gio in Ho Chi Minh City with Nhon Trach in Dong Nai. The structure extends over 3 kilometers, features four traffic lanes, and includes a 300-meter main span with a navigation clearance of 55 meters.

Originally designated as package J1, the bridge construction began in 1/2016 under a Japanese contractor consortium. Work halted in 2020 due to various complications. The project resumed in 4/2025 after the Vietnam Expressway Development Investment Corporation (VEC) selected a replacement contractor. The package was subsequently renamed J3-1, with the remaining work valued at approximately 600 billion VND.

Contractors are working on the remaining main beam sections in preparation for joining, 16/6. Photo: Giang Anh

Phuoc Khanh is one of two major bridges on the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway. The other, Binh Khanh Bridge, crosses the Soai Rap River and is of a similar scale. Although inaugurated in 12/2025, Binh Khanh Bridge cannot be fully operational until the Phuoc Khanh Bridge is completed.

The Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway, initiated in 2014, had an initial investment of over 31,300 billion VND, later adjusted to over 29,500 billion VND. Designed with four lanes and two emergency lanes, allowing for a maximum speed of 100 km/h, the expressway has faced several years of delays due to investment policy challenges and capital shortages.

Once the entire route is open to traffic, vehicles from the Mekong Delta will be able to travel directly to Dong Nai. This will significantly reduce reliance on National Highway 1, Nguyen Van Linh Street, and Phu My Bridge, which currently route traffic through inner Ho Chi Minh City. Currently, nearly 30 kilometers of the expressway are temporarily open at its western and Dong Nai ends.

Giang Anh