The project, which spans 51 km, involves an investment of nearly 20,000 billion VND (nearly $790 million) under a public-private partnership (PPP) format with a build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract.

The project, classified under Group A, will be overseen by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, with the Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Construction Investment Project Management Board serving as the project preparation unit.

Project overview:

- Starting point: Intersection with Ring Road 3 in Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City.

- End point: Connection to National Highway 22 in Ben Cau district, Tay Ninh province.

- Total Length:Approximately 51 km (24.7 km through Ho Chi Minh City and 26.3 km through Tay Ninh province).

- Phase 1 scale: Four expressway lanes, 25.5 meters wide, with a design speed of 120 km/h.

- Total investment: Nearly 20,000 billion VND (nearly $800 million).

- Land clearance: One-time clearance for six expressway lanes over the entire route.

Technical features:

- Intersections:Five intersections, including four different-level intersections (Ring Road 3, TL8, DT 787B, QL 22B) and one intersection at the end of the route intersecting with QL22.

- Infrastructure: Overpasses or underpasses at residential intersections, drainage, lighting, rest stops, Intelligent Transport System (ITS), toll stations with non-stop toll collection technology, and access roads for residents in residential areas.

Land and capital:

- Land use: Approximately 409.3 hectares, affecting 566 households.

- Capital sources: 9,674 billion VND from state capital (49.31% of total investment), with 2,872 billion VND from the Central Government and 6,802 billion VND from Ho Chi Minh City budget. The remaining 9,943 billion VND (50.69% of total investment) will come from investors and PPP project enterprises.

- Financial plan: Capital recovery period of 14 years and 10 months, with a total project contract period of 16 years and 9 months.

Implementation timeline:

- 2024: Select the investor.

- 2024-2025: Land clearance and resettlement.

- June 2025: Start project construction.

- 2025-2027: Construction

- 2028-2029: Finalize the project.

Strategic importance:

The Ho Chi Minh City - Moc Bai Expressway aims to alleviate congestion on National Highway 22, the only current route connecting Ho Chi Minh City with the Moc Bai international border gate in Tay Ninh. The expressway will enhance trade, reduce travel time, and improve the transportation of goods and passengers, thereby boosting the region's socio-economic development.

Additionally, the project will connect to Ho Chi Minh City's belt roads and the future Go Dau - Xa Mat expressway, further integrating the region's transportation network and supporting national security and defense.

Tuan Kiet