HC1 tunnel, belonging to the HC1-01 package of An Phu intersection project (Thu Duc City), has a length of 480m, including 4 lanes with a total investment of more than 341 billion VND. The project is located at the intersection between Mai Chi Tho Boulevard and Dong Van Cong Street - one of the key intersections connecting the East of Ho Chi Minh City and the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay highway.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Construction Investment Project Management Board (Traffic Board), the basic construction items of the underpass have been completed. However, the pumping station system - a necessary technical factor to put the project into safe operation - has not yet completed the synchronous installation.
A representative of the Traffic Department said that complex geological conditions and underground water flows in the construction area have delayed the completion process. The tunnel is up to 18m deep, when there is heavy rain without an effective pumping station, it will lead to flooding, seriously affecting traffic capacity.
Previously, the HC1 tunnel was expected to open to traffic on April 30 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025). However, up to now (early May), operation has not been possible due to incomplete technical items. The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has also requested a review of individual responsibilities if the project is not completed on schedule, however, the delay continues to persist.
The upcoming opening of the HC1 tunnel is of great significance in reducing traffic congestion in the An Phu area - where more than 22,000 container trucks are "carried" per day. When put into operation, vehicles can go from Thu Thiem tunnel through Mai Chi Tho to Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway without having to wait for red lights at An Phu intersection.
The An Phu intersection project has a total investment of more than VND 3,400 billion, and was started at the end of 2022. In addition to the HC1 tunnel, the project also includes the 760m long HC2 underpass with a total investment of more than 343 billion VND, along with overpasses, pedestrian bridges and auxiliary traffic systems. Currently, HC2 has only reached about 70% of the construction volume, expected to be completed by the end of this year.
