Phuong Hoang Tunnel lies on the border between Khanh Hoa and Dak Lak provinces and stretches 1.7 kilometres. Built under Package XL01 of Component Project 2, it is the longest and most challenging mountain-crossing structure on the route. The Ministry of Construction is the investor.
Nearly 600 engineers and workers, supported by about 180 specialised machines, were mobilised for the project, with 22 construction fronts operating simultaneously during tunnelling.
Teams are now working around the clock to install technical systems inside the tunnel to keep the project on schedule.
Construction took place under complex geological conditions, including weathered rock, weak soil layers and heavy groundwater flows, raising risks of seepage and collapse.
The tunnel breakthrough connects the two portals, eases the transport of materials and equipment, and improves efficiency for subsequent works.
Elsewhere along the route, road crews are completing embankments, drainage systems and underpasses to maintain synchronisation, with the aim of finishing the project this year.
Package XL01 covers 11 kilometres of the expressway and is valued at more than VND 3 trillion (about USD 114 million). In addition to Phuong Hoang Tunnel, it includes 10 bridges. Completed work so far is worth about VND 1.3 trillion.
The Khanh Hoa-Buon Ma Thuot expressway runs for 117.5 kilometres with total investment of about VND 22 trillion, divided into three component projects. Component 1 is managed by Khanh Hoa Province, Component 2 by the Ministry of Construction, and Component 3 by Dak Lak Province.
Component Projects 1 and 3 have already been technically opened to traffic. The entire expressway is expected to be largely completed this year and fully operational in 2027.
