The project costing nearly VND 760 billion (USD 28.9 million) is located in Bac Nha Trang and Tay Nha Trang wards near the railway bridge and about three kilometres from Cai River mouth.
Once operational, the project is expected to curb saltwater intrusion into the Cai River during the dry season while supplying freshwater for Nha Trang and parts of the former Dien Khanh district.
The project also includes a 400-metre road bridge, 26 metres wide with four traffic lanes, crossing the Cai River to improve transport connectivity and support socio-economic development in northern and western Nha Trang.
The dam is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder system used to raise and lower gates weighing tens of tonnes to regulate water flow and control salinity.
The structure’s pillars and beams form part of the combined dam and bridge system, while the project also includes boat locks allowing vessels to moor or seek shelter during bad weather or storms.
Nguyen Thanh Hien, director of the Khanh Hoa Development Project Management Board, said authorities have allowed temporary traffic on the bridge section of the project.
Cars with up to seven seats and motorbikes are currently permitted to cross, with the bridge deck largely completed and capable of supporting smooth traffic flow.
The dam is also equipped with a public address system and traffic cameras.
The project’s central control building has been largely completed and is ready for operation.
Hien said most components of the project have now been finished, and engineers are conducting trial runs of the machinery and systems before final acceptance and official operation.
