Large-scale undersea tunnel to be constructed next year

Quang Ninh province plans to develop the undersea tunnel through Cua Luc Bay

This statement was shared by Nguyen Van Doc, Secretary of the Quang Ninh Party Committee, at the latest meeting on key projects of north Quang Ninh province.

The tunnel will improve trade between Halong city, Van Don Special Economic Administrative Zone, Mong Cai International Border Gate, and other provinces.

Besides, the project will create a favourable connection between Halong city’s western tourism area, and the city’s eastern residential area.

In addition, the project will ensure the transport circulation on National Highway 18 through Halong city, Loong Toong intersection, and Bai Chay Bridge, which are showing signs of overloading and are at times completely congested, causing small accidents.

The transport circulation between Bai Chay ward and Hon Gai ward is currently difficult, especially across the Bai Chay Bridge and is even interrupted during heavy weather.

At the meeting, Doc assessed that this is an important project and required the consultants to conduct continuous studies to finish the pre-feasibility report to submit to the prime minister.

“If the pre-feasibility report is approved, the tunnel project will be constructed by early 2019,” Doc said.

According to the consultants, the 1.3-km tunnel through Cua Luc Bay is designed by the urban roads standard TCVN 104-2007 with six lanes and a total investment capital of VND7.87 trillion ($358 million), including VND5 trillion ($227.2 million) for construction.

The beginning point of the route is located on Halong Road (Bai Chay ward), 50 metres from Sun World Halong Park Gate, and 300m from the Queen’s cable car. The end point of the route will be on Le Thanh Tong street (Hon Gai ward), 50m from the fifth intersection with 25/4 Street.

Many countries prioritise investment in building undersea tunnels to facilitate transport. Examples include Seikan tunnel below Tsugaru Strait, connecting Honshu and Hokkaido islands (Japan), and the tunnel below Turkey’s Bosphorus Strait which aims to reduce overloaded traffic on the European and Asian sides.