Vietnam approves $1.05bn bridge to boost Mekong Delta connectivity

The ministry issued the approval on Friday, with the project to be funded by the central government budget.

Of the total investment, VND21.64 trillion ($838.4 million) will be allocated during 2026-30, while the remaining VND5.41 trillion ($209.4 million) will be provided in 2031-35.

Spanning 17.6 kilometers across Vinh Long Province and Can Tho City, the project will begin at the Cha Va interchange in Vinh Long, connecting to the My Thuan-Can Tho Expressway, and end at the IC2 interchange in Can Tho, linking to the Can Tho-Hau Giang Expressway.

A key feature of the project is its two-level bridge design, with a six-lane expressway on the upper deck and a double-track railway on the lower deck.

The road section will have a design speed of 100 kilometers per hour, while the standard-gauge railway will accommodate passenger trains traveling at up to 160 kilometers per hour and freight trains at up to 120 kilometers per hour.

The main cable-stayed bridge will span approximately 870 meters.

The project is divided into three components, including compensation, support, and resettlement in Vinh Long Province and Can Tho City, with estimated costs of VND2.27 trillion ($87.8 million) and VND824.15 billion ($31.9 million), respectively.

The main construction component, covering the bridge and its approach roads, is estimated to cost VND23.96 trillion ($928.2 million).

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion and opening to traffic expected within five years.

The My Thuan Project Management Board will prepare the feasibility study and coordinate with local authorities on the next steps.

According to the ministry, the project will help complete the eastern North-South Expressway and pave the way for the future Ho Chi Minh City-Can Tho railway.

It is also expected to ease regional transportation, strengthen connectivity, and support economic growth across the Mekong Delta.