The 2.36 km Thuan An Bridge, part of a 22 km coastal road project in Hue City, cost VND 2.4 trillion (about USD 92 million) and was scheduled to open for technical traffic on September 2, 2025. However, land clearance delays, particularly on the southern approach, have stalled completion of the connecting roads.
The wider coastal road scheme, with total investment of VND 3.5 trillion (about USD 135 million), is being implemented in three phases. Phase one, launched in March 2022, includes the bridge and 7.8 km of roadway, with an original construction timeline of three years.
Authorities have erected fences at both ends of the bridge to prevent pedestrians and vehicles from entering before its official opening. Despite this, the landmark structure has attracted visitors in recent months, with residents gathering to sightsee and take photographs
Local authorities said land clearance has been completed on the 3.24 km northern approach, with construction expected to finish by March 26.
The 2.19 km southern approach, however, remains under construction and is scheduled for completion in the second quarter once remaining sites are handed over.
Many affected households have already received compensation and resettlement.
“When the state has a policy, we comply and are ready to give up land to build roads and bridges for development,” said Nguyen Van Duc, a resident whose home was partially demolished.
Officials said efforts are continuing to resolve outstanding clearance issues, including a final section crossing a state-owned sports field and four private land plots.
The first phase of the coastal road project through Hue City, including the Thuan An sea-crossing bridge, requires the acquisition of more than 317,000 sq metres of land, affecting farmland, aquaculture areas, protective forests and hundreds of local graves.
On the southern approach alone, 229 households are affected, including 120 that require resettlement.
Bui Ngoc Chanh, deputy director of Hue City’s Project Management Board for Construction Investment Area 1, said most residents had handed over their land, with difficulties remaining at just four households at the end of the route, one of which will require compulsory clearance.
