A section in the National Highway 13 that links HCM City to Bình Dương. The HCM City’s Department of Construction proposes to the city’s People’s Committee to develop an elevated section on National Highway 13. -- VNA/VNS Photo Huyền Trang

HCM CITY — The HCM City’s Department of Construction has recently put forward a proposal to the municipal People’s Committee regarding the development of an elevated section on National Highway 13 that links HCM City to the neighbouring province of Bình Dương.

The proposed elevated section, spanning over 3km, is estimated to cost around VNĐ21.7 trillion (US$850 million).

This proposal is part of a feasibility study report outlining the project to upgrade and expand National Highway 13 from Bình Triệu Bridge to Vĩnh Bình Bridge, utilising the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. It is one of five projects aimed at improving existing roads in HCM City through the BOT mechanism.

Under the feasibility study, the upgraded segment of National Highway 13 covers a total length of approximately 6.3km. The project includes widening the road from four to six lanes to 10 lanes, with a width of 60m, green spaces on the sides, and technical infrastructure facilities.

Additionally, a 3.2km section in the middle of the route will be elevated featuring four lanes and side-by-side roads.

Total investment for the project exceeds VNĐ21.7 trillion ($850 million), including interest during the construction period. The State would contribute 68 per cent, with the remainder of over VNĐ7 trillion ($274 million) being raised by investors. It is projected that investors would recoup their investment within 21 years and four months.

Land clearance is set to begin in the third quarter of this year, alongside the investor selection process. Construction is slated to commence in the third quarter of 2026, with completion and operation expected two years later.

National Highway 13, stretching over 140km, connects HCM City with Bình Dương and Bình Phước provinces, playing a crucial role as the eastern gateway of HCM City.

Besides the work on National Highway 13, four projects that would enhance current roads in HCM City are being executed through the BOT model, which includes the upgrading of National Highway 1 and 22, the North-South Axis Road, and Bình Tiên Bridge Road. Notably, the project to enhance the North-South Axis Road is estimated to require a total investment of VNĐ9.9 trillion and includes a proposed overpass section of over 7km with a scale of four lanes.

The section of National Highway 1 passing through Bình Tân and Bình Chánh districts will be upgraded over nearly 10km, expanding from six lanes to 10-12 lanes, reaching a width of 60m. The estimated investment for this project is around VNĐ16.3 trillion ($638 million).

On the northwest gateway, National Highway 22 passing through District 12 and Hóc Môn District will also undergo upgrading over a length of over 8km. The project envisions widening the road to 60m, with 10 lanes, and constructing a large intersection at a different level to reduce congestion with surrounding roads.

The preliminary estimated total investment is approximately VNĐ10.5 trillion ($410 million).

After the upgrade, National Highway 22, together with other projects like Ring Road 3, Ring Road 4, and HCM City - Mộc Bài Expressway, will form a comprehensive transportation network in the west of the city, linking the Southeast region of Việt Nam. This network will create new development opportunities in the region.

The land clearance for both the National Highway, 1 and 22 upgrade projects is scheduled to begin this year, alongside the completion of necessary procedures and investor selection. Construction is planned to commence in 2026, with completion and operation expected two years later. — VNS