The project was undertaken by A2Z, which is responsible for the technical design and construction drawing design phases for the Ea Trang 1 and Ea Trang 2 tunnels (each consisting of two smaller tunnel branches) as part of Component Project 2 of the Khanh Hoa – Buon Ma Thuot Expressway, covering Km 43 – Km 50. This section is considered the most challenging segment of the expressway and plays a crucial role in determining the project’s alignment.
The Khanh Hoa – Buon Ma Thuot Expressway spans a total length of 117.5 km, including 33.2 km in Khanh Hoa province and 84.3 km in Dak Lak province with the design speed of 100 km/h and has a total investment of approximately 22 trillion VND. The expressway starts at the intersection of National Highway 26B and National Highway 1 (Nam Van Phong Port area, Ninh Hoa Town, Khanh Hoa Province) and ends at the eastern bypass of Ho Chi Minh Road in Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province.
Survey Delegation of Component Project 2 – Khanh Hoa – Buon Ma Thuot Expressway
Representative of A2Z, Mr. Vu Ngoc Tuan, Project Design Lead (far left), along with partners, working with Mr. Phung Tien Vinh, Deputy Director of the Construction Management Department, Ministry of Transport (third from the right).
Speaking to VOV Traffic, Mr. Tran Huu Hai, Director of Project Management Board No. 6 – representing the investor of Component Project 2, stated:
“Component Project 2 spans 37 km, crossing two mountain passes, truly traversing the heart of the Central Highlands. It is among the most challenging terrains compared to current expressway projects. Within these 37 km, four tunnels must be excavated along with multiple special-grade bridges—meaning bridges with extremely high piers, some reaching up to 63 meters. These require tower cranes for construction rather than conventional methods. Given these extreme challenges, the design solutions must be meticulously researched and optimized.”
To tackle these challenges, A2Z conducted an in-depth study of the complex terrain to select the optimal design solution, addressing both the routing issues and the difficulties posed by the geography.
The technical design and construction drawings developed by A2Z and its consortium partners were highly evaluated and approved by the investor and relevant government agencies. The construction of EaTrang 1 Tunnel, consisting of two tunnel branches, commenced in July 2024. Each tunnel branch is designed with two lanes, with the design speed from 80–100 km/h. This is one of the most technically demanding components of the project, with strict excavation and reinforcement processes ensuring compliance with design and safety standards.
The Breakthrough Ceremony of Ea Trang 1 Tunnel – Khanh Hoa – Buon Ma Thuot Expressway Project.
As of December 29, 2024, the 380-meter-long EaTrang 1 Road Tunnel was successfully excavated. This marks the resolution of the most challenging issue of the entire expressway, paving the way for the early completion and operation of the project. Once in service, this expressway will become a key transportation pathway, fostering the economic growth in the Central Highlands and coastal regions.
By: Vu Lan Huong – Translator: Quang Anh
