On August 15, information from Mr. Luong Minh Phuc, Director of the Traffic Construction Investment Project Management Board (Traffic Board) said that up to now, the difficulties and problems in exploiting sand materials for roadbed construction for the project have been basically resolved.

Currently, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the Material Working Group and the investor are actively coordinating and working with the People's Committees of Tien Giang, Vinh Long and Ben Tre provinces to complete licensing procedures for sand mines serving the Ring Road 3 project on schedule.

Specifically, Tien Giang province has 3 sand mines that will complete licensing procedures by the end of August 2024 (phase 1); by the end of September 2024, the second licensing procedures will be completed (total supply volume of 6.6 million m³). The total volume of sand that Tien Giang province is expected to supply to the project in 2024 is 3 million m³.

Also in August 2024, Vinh Long province will complete the procedures and provide sand for the project. Of which, one mine will complete the procedures and provide sand for the project before August 25. The remaining five mines will complete the procedures and provide sand for the project in early September 2024. The total volume of sand supplied by Vinh Long is 1.4 million m³. The volume of sand that Vinh Long plans to provide for the Ring Road 3 project in 2024 is 700,000 m³.

For Ben Tre province, complete procedures and supply sand for the project in December 2024 with a total volume of 2 million m³. The expected volume of sand supplied to the project in 2024 is 1 million m³.

Mr. Phuc commented that, up to now, the licensing progress according to the commitment of the three localities of Tien Giang, Vinh Long and Ben Tre with the above volume is meeting the needs and construction progress of the Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road 3 project.

Regarding the construction progress of the Ring Road 3 project through Ho Chi Minh City (component project 1), Mr. Phuc said that the 4 main construction packages (started in July 2023) have completed 22% of the construction value. Currently, contractors are accelerating the construction of bridges and tunnels on the route; speeding up the construction progress of the roadbed section to treat weak soil by digging instead of soil, driving cajuput piles, cement-reinforced soil piles (CDM) and installing wick drains (PVD).

For the remaining 6 main construction packages (starting in February 2024), the output to date has reached 9% of the construction value. Currently, contractors are focusing on accelerating the construction progress of substructure items on the route and simultaneously implementing soft soil treatment work.

As for the 4 operation and exploitation packages, the unit is appraising and approving the design and estimate. These packages are expected to start construction in late 2024, and will be completed synchronously with the 10 main construction packages.

Regarding the completion progress of the Ring Road 3 project through Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Phuc said that the investor, construction contractors, and supervision consultants are striving to maintain the original progress.

Specifically, complete a number of items of construction package 1 (XL1) to ensure synchronous and effective exploitation of the connection between Nhon Trach bridge (part of component project 1A) and Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway by April 30, 2025.

Technical opening of the entire expressway by the end of January 2026; official opening of the entire expressway by April 30, 2026. Complete the entire project (including the parallel road) by June 30, 2026.