Vietnam breaks ground on $1.2B bridges to cut travel time between HCMC and Long Thanh airport

By Phuoc Tuan January 14, 2026 | 11:56 pm PT

An illustration of the Cat Lai Bridge spanning the Dong Nai River between Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai Province. Photo by Dong Nai Department of Construction

Two major bridges worth more than VND32 trillion (US$1.2 billion) broke ground on Jan. 15, a move expected to ease chronic congestion and strengthen transport links between Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring Dong Nai Province.

The Cat Lai Bridge and Long Hung Bridge will span the Dong Nai River, helping shorten travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to Long Thanh International Airport while reducing pressure on overcrowded roads and the long-overloaded Cat Lai ferry.

The Cat Lai Bridge will stretch about 11.6 km, including a 3 km main bridge, with eight lanes and a design speed of 80 kph. Once completed, it will replace the Cat Lai ferry, a critical but congested river crossing that has struggled to meet rising transport demand for years.

The Long Hung Bridge, also known as Dong Nai 2, will run about 12 km in total, linking National Highway 51 in Dong Nai with Ring Road 3 in Ho Chi Minh City. The bridge will also have eight lanes and a design speed of 80 kph, strengthening east and northeast access to the city.

Built under a public-private partnership model, the two projects are expected to significantly improve regional connectivity, linking HCMC with Long Thanh Airport, major seaports, industrial parks and key national transport corridors in Dong Nai. Officials say the bridges will help cut travel time, lower logistics costs and boost the competitiveness of Vietnam's southern economic hub.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh described the Cat Lai Bridge as a strategic transport axis rather than a standalone project, saying it will play a key role in completing the interregional transport network and supporting long-term urban and economic growth.

Authorities also called for close coordination between HCMC and Dong Nai on site clearance and resettlement, while urging investors and contractors to ensure construction quality, safety, and progress.

Earlier the same day, a 5.2 km riverside road along the Dong Nai River in Tran Bien Ward was technically opened to traffic, adding another six-lane urban artery aimed at easing congestion and creating new space for riverside urban and commercial development.