According to the provincial Party Secretary and People’s Council Chairman Nguyen Van Doc, once completed, the project would be Vietnam’s first and largest underwater tunnel.

The undersea tunner is expected to cost VND9.78 trillion (USD417.6 million)

The tunnel to be located at Cua Luc Bay will connect Vuon Dao T-junction of Bai Chay Ward and the coastal roads of the Vinhomes urban area in Ha Long City’s Hon Gai Ward.

It is expected to have six lanes for vehicles, allowing a maximum speed of 60 kilometres per hour.

The 2.75-kilometre tunnel project is expected to cost over VND9.78 trillion (USD417.6 million) and would be able to withstand a magnitude 7.0 earthquake.

Doc added that the project construction must not affect the environment, local tourism infrastructure or nearby residential areas.

The project is slated to be kicked off this year and finish in 2024. It will not only help to ease traffic in Ha Long City’s inner-city areas but also link the city’s eastern and western parts.

After being passed by local authorities, the pre-feasibility study will be submitted to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc for consideration.