On the morning of August 19, 2025, at the northern portal of the tunnel (in Quang Ngai province), Project Management Unit 2 (PMU2) and Deo Ca Group held a commencement ceremony for the completion phase of Tunnel No. 1, part of the Quang Ngai – Hoai Nhon Expressway project. Assuming the role of Supervision Consultant, A2Z Design Consultancy JSC is responsible for ensuring the technical solutions and construction quality, with a strong determination to help the project reach its milestones ahead of schedule.
Tunnel No. 1, with a length of 610 meters, is one of three mountain tunnels under the Quang Ngai – Hoai Nhon component project. It is also among the six tunnels slated for full completion on the Eastern North-South Expressway for the 2021–2025 period.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Ngo Truong Nam – General Director of Deo Ca Group, representing the contractor, stated that in Phase 1, the tunnels were approved for the full completion of only the right tube (including operational M&E systems). The left tube was planned only for excavation and the installation of a primary lining to protect the structure and serve for rescue and emergency purposes. However, operating a single tube with two-way traffic poses potential risks of congestion and safety hazards, especially during peak holiday seasons.
“The full investment in both tunnel tubes for synchronous operation with the main expressway is essential to increase traffic capacity and ensure traffic safety. Furthermore, proceeding with the completion of the tunnels now allows us to leverage the contractor’s available machinery, equipment, and personnel, saving both time and costs,” said Mr. Ngo Truong Nam.
To date, the civil works for both tubes of Tunnel No. 1 have been completed. The right tube is fully equipped with M&E and ITS systems, while the left tube will be outfitted in Phase 2. Additionally, Tunnel No. 2, with a length of 700 meters, has also completed its civil works, with the equipment installation for the right tube finalized. The completion works for the left tube are scheduled to commence in Q4/2025 and be finished in Q2/2026. For Tunnel No. 3, the longest on the route at 3,200 meters, breakthrough has been achieved for both tubes. The right tube is currently in the final stages of civil works and equipment installation, expected to be completed by the end of December 2025. The left tube is slated for investment and will be brought into operation in Q2/2026.
The Quang Ngai – Hoai Nhon Expressway component project spans over 80 km, with nearly 60 km located in Quang Ngai province, forming a crucial part of the Eastern North-South transport axis. With a total investment capital exceeding VND 20,000 billion, the project is divided into three packages: XL1, XL2, and XL3.
Upon its full completion, the expressway will contribute to the synchronous connection of infrastructure in the central coastal region, reduce the traffic load on National Highway 1, and shorten travel and freight transport times for the public.
