No delay allowed for Bien Hoa–Vung Tau expressway and HCMC’s Ring Road No.3 project

This was the directive of Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee, at a meeting on October 24 with relevant departments, local authorities, and construction contractors to review the progress of Component Project 1 of the Bien Hoa–Vung Tau expressway Phase 1, and Component Project 3 – construction of Ring Road No. 3 section passing through Dong Nai Province, under HCMC’s Ring Road No. 3 project.

Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee, delivers directives at the meeting. Photo: Vuong The

According to a report from the Dong Nai Provincial Construction Investment Project Management Board, Component Project 1 of the Bien Hoa–Vung Tau expressway Phase 1 has a total length of 16 km. The project consists of two main construction packages with participation from 8 contractors. As of now, the 2 main packages have achieved 51% of construction volume, which is 17% behind schedule. Among the contractors, 3 are ahead of schedule, while 5 are lagging behind the required timeline.

Representatives of departments, sectors, localities, and enterprises attend the meeting. Photo: Vuong The

For Component Project 3, construction of the Ring Road No. 3 section running through Dong Nai province under the Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road No. 3 project, the three main construction packages have reached 49.6% of the contract value. Meanwhile, disbursement has reached 66.1% of the allocated central budget. The project involves six construction contractors, with one currently ahead of schedule. The Provincial Construction Investment Project Management Board has issued reminders and notices of schedule violations to the remaining contractors, resulting in notable improvements in progress.

During the meeting, representatives of the construction contractors presented challenges and bottlenecks encountered during implementation, particularly regarding the supply of soil and rock for roadbed filling. Contractors requested the provincial authorities to direct relevant units to better support the provision of construction materials as previously committed.

Nguyen Linh, Deputy Director of the Provincial Construction Investment Project Management Board, reports on project progress. Photo: Vuong The

In his concluding remarks, Vo Tan Duc, Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee, emphasized that these are projects of special importance both to the province and the nation. Regarding contractors’ concerns over the supply of construction materials from nearby quarries, the provincial leader requested that relevant departments and agencies work directly with quarry investors to ensure sufficient supply for project implementation. He pointed out the paradox that while the quarries are located right within the project area, there is still a shortage of materials, even though Dong Nai’s soil and rock have long been supplied to other regions, including the Mekong Delta. He stressed that the issue must be resolved.

A representative of Construction Corporation No. 1, the contractor for a package under the Bien Hoa–Vung Tau expressway project, presents recommendations at the meeting. Photo: Vuong The

Regarding project progress, Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee Vo Tan Duc affirmed that Dong Nai has made a firm commitment to the Government and the Prime Minister to open the expressway to traffic by December 19. This deadline cannot be extended. He emphasized that time is minimal, yet current reports indicate that construction volume remains behind schedule, with many contractors failing to meet their progress commitments. The provincial leader has therefore assigned the Provincial Construction Investment Project Management Board to take full responsibility for urging and coordinating with relevant units to accelerate implementation. As the agency directly accountable to the province, the board must assign supervisors to monitor construction activities on-site daily. Contractors are required to mobilize the maximum workforce and equipment, organize multiple shifts, and work around the clock, including nights and Sundays.

For those persistently delaying progress despite repeated warnings, penalties or even project termination may be applied, and they may be barred from future projects in the province. Conversely, contractors performing well will be commended and rewarded to encourage progress and maintain project momentum.

By Vuong The – Translated by Quynh Giao, Minho