Vietnam inaugurates second Hai Van mountain tunnel

Known as the Hai Van 2 Tunnel, the project is expected to alleviate some of the traffic burden on the Hai Van 1 Tunnel, which was completed in 2005 with Japanese funding.

The Hai Van 1 Tunnel shortened the travel time between Da Nang and Thua Thien Hue and made the journey safer compared to the journey through the winding Hai Van Pass, but has faced pressure due to rapidly growing levels of traffic in recent years.

With a length of 6.2 kilometres and 12.4 kilometres of approach road, Hai Van 2, constructed by Deo Ca Group is the longest road tunnel in Southeast Asia.

It was designated as a project to celebrate the upcoming 13th National Party Congress.

The Hai Van 2 Tunnel will be open to traffic from February 1-21 to serve the increased travel demand during the Lunar New Year, after which it will be closed until some financial issues related to the project are resolved.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Deputy PM Dung urged the ministries and agencies concerned to quickly address all difficulties facing the tunnel operator so that the project can be put to full use.