In line with the objective to complete 3.000 km of expressways connecting from Cao Bang to Ca Mau by the end of 2025, thousands of engineers, workers, and heavy equipment operators have been working continuously. With a spirit of “snatching meals, rushing sleep, working in three shifts, four crews through day and night” construction teams have been pushing to accelerate progress, aiming to open the Quang Ngai - Hoai Nhon section by year-end, as directed by the Prime Minister.
Earlier this year, during the Lunar New Year, the Prime Minister visited the site to encourage workers and emphasized the mission: “The entire route must be completed by the end of 2025.” Despite the substantial workload ahead, the unified efforts from the Executive Board to each on-site worker, are driving the project forward with determination, overcoming adverse weather and challenging geological conditions to meet their commitments and contribute to the country’s shared goals.
Mr. Ho Minh Hoang, Chairman of the Board of Directors, inspected the asphalt pavement work at the construction of package XL01.
On April 28, Mr. Ho Minh Hoang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of DEOCA Group, visited the project to inspect progress, encourage on-site workers, and attend the right tube breakthrough ceremony of tunnel 3.
The Quang Ngai - Hoai Nhon section features three mountain tunnels. Tunnels 1 and 2 have completed the construction and are currently being equipped with electromechanical systems and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
Tunnel 3, which stretches over 3.2 kilometers, has officially achieved a breakthrough of its right tube (North - South direction), six months ahead of schedule. According to the Project Management Board, this milestone eliminates one of the biggest challenges in the Quang Ngai - Hoai Nhon expressway and the entire North - South expressway project.
Mr. Ngo Truong Nam, General Manager of DEOCA Group, reported that unexpected weak geological zones were encountered during excavation, differing from the initial design documents. These zones, composed of Grade IV rock with compressive strength below 25 MPa, resembling soil, severely hampered tunneling speed. Under normal conditions, 6 - 10 meters of tunnel can be excavated per day, but in these weak zones, only 1 - 3 meters were achievable.
To address this, the project team implemented various engineering solutions, utilizing the DEOCA’s NATM tunnel excavation method, dividing blasting sections into smaller units to reduce vibration and risks, while adopting a flexible construction approach to maintain progress.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors presented gifts to encourage workers currently working at tunnel 3.
Following the breakthrough, excavation will continue with enlargement, base grading, and lining the tunnel with reinforced concrete. The left tunnel tube is scheduled to break through in June, with both concrete linings completed by October and all equipment installed by the end of December 2025.
After the progress briefings and site inspections, Chairman of the Board of Directors praised the engineers and workers on the construction site for their persistence and hard work. He noted the close collaboration between the Executive Board, Project Management Board 2 and local authorities in resolving obstacles.
“Achieving tunnel breakthrough by April 30 has a great symbolic significance. It reflects the unity and shared determination of the entire team. This is a critical foundation for completing the Quang Ngai - Hoai Nhon expressway section by the end of this year, in line with the Prime Minister’s directive,” Mr. Ho Minh Hoang emphasized.
Mr. Ho Minh Hoang, along with the Board of Directors, project advisors, and leaders of Project Management Board 2, celebrated the breakthrough of the right tube of tunnel 3.
He also directed the General Manager Board to review the general contractor model deployed on the project, assess staff and worker capacity, and compile practical lessons learned in tunneling, bridgework, road construction, and geological treatment. These experiences will be incorporated into training materials for “practical engineers” and “hands-on workers” and become part of the Group’s internal training program, helping staff hone their technical skills as well as gain real-world experience.
These materials will also be shared with universities and colleges as teaching materials, and used in training programs for subcontractors and partners, aiming to elevate organizational and construction capability to meet the demands of increasingly complex infrastructure projects.
Approximately 40% of the roadbed has been completed with a crushed stone base, and over 10 kilometers of asphalt pavement have been laid.
Mr. Le Thang, Director of Project Management Board 2 and project investor representative, praised the efforts of the engineering and construction teams and commended DEOCA Group’s project management capabilities. “We are sincerely grateful to DEOCA Group’s workforce, who have worked tirelessly day and night to complete critical components, including the breakthrough of the right tube tunnel 3 which is currently the largest tunnel on the North - South expressway. DEOCA’s application of advanced techniques and flexible construction management has significantly shortened timelines, and this achievement deserves recognition,” Mr. Thang stated.
According to Mr. Thang, during the implementation process, the project encountered many difficulties, from site clearance to design and materials sourcing. However, with the spirit of “conquer the sun, overcome the rain” and “no delays, only solutions,” along with the efforts of DEOCA Group as well as local authorities and residents, the project would be substantially completed by December 2025.
Project Management Board 2 will continue to work closely with DEOCA Group to implement the construction, striving to complete the entire project in accordance with the Government's requirements. DEOCA Group, with the capacity and determination, will continue to undertake even more complex projects in the future, including the North - South high-speed railway projects.
News: Minh Anh - Photo: Viet Trung
