Dong Nai authorities said transport links with HCM City remained inadequate despite growing demand for travel, trade and investment between the two neighbouring cities.
The two localities have agreed to build eight new road bridges spanning the Dong Nai, Sai Gon and connected waterways, supplementing existing crossings.
Several bridge projects, including Cat Lai, Long Hung, Phu My 2 and Tan Hien, are already under way. Additional bridges planned include Hieu Liem 2, Thanh Hoi 2, Tan An and Xom La.
The Dong Nai People's Council has approved resolutions authorising the city government to oversee three projects involving four bridges linking Bien Hoa Ward with Tan Uyen Ward in Ho Chi Minh City across the Ong Tiep Canal.
Dong Nai is currently linked to HCM City by only a handful of road bridges, while the Phuoc Khanh and Phuoc An bridges remain under construction
The city's Chairman Nguyen Van Ut said authorities aimed to begin construction of the Cat Lai and Long Hung bridges in the third quarter, or no later than early in the fourth quarter, this year.
