The 371 billion VND overpass at Cau Giat intersection is behind schedule.

(Baonghean.vn) - The construction of the overpass at the intersection of National Highway 48B and National Highway 1 (at the intersection of Cau Giat town, Quynh Luu district) is currently behind schedule and poses many potential risks to traffic safety.

This overpass is located on National Highway 48B, connecting Tuan town to Lach Quen port, a route of significant importance to the socio-economic development of Quynh Luu district.

The project is invested by the Joint Venture of Construction Corporation No. 4 and Corporation 319 (Ministry of National Defense) with a total cost of over 371 billion VND from the capital of the National Highway 1 expansion project under the BOT contract form.

The overpass at the intersection of National Highway 48B and National Highway 1 (passing through the intersection of Cau Giat town, Quynh Luu district) cost over 371 billion VND. Photo: Thanh Nhan

According to the construction unit's commitment, the overpass was supposed to be open to traffic by the 2017 New Year. However, for the past 7 months, construction has been sluggish and has not completed the planned volume.In particular, traffic accidents and congestion occur frequently. Construction work at height, along with dust and debris, causes serious environmental pollution, and scaffolding erected at height without warning signs is causing great concern among residents.

Mr. Vu Hoang Nam, Head of Block 2, Cau Giat town (Quynh Luu district), said: "The company is temporarily halting work while waiting for land clearance, so the road is full of potholes and bumps. When it rains, it becomes muddy, and when it's sunny, it's dusty, affecting the residents living along National Highway 48."

It is known that in the initial phase of the project, the construction unit of Cienco 4 actively mobilized workers to work efficiently, completing construction as soon as the site was handed over. Currently, the unit has completed about 70% of the road section, while the overpass section has completed 5 out of 6 abutments and the entire girder casting and installation of 3 spans. There are still obstacles related to abutment M2, the entire retaining wall, and the access wall on the west side of National Highway 1.

The unfinished bridge foundation has become a garbage dump. Photo: Thanh Nhàn

In recent months, land clearance work has been stalled. Seven households on the east side of the overpass have yet to hand over the land, and 15 households on the west side have not agreed to the compensation plan, hindering construction progress. Additionally, the one-way roads on both sides of the overpass, as required, should be paved with asphalt, but due to the incomplete site preparation, drainage ditches have not been constructed on either side. Water accumulates and causes damage whenever it rains. The construction unit has carried out leveling multiple times, but due to the high volume of traffic, including many heavy-duty vehicles, the roads are constantly damaged, causing difficulties for commuters.

In July, the construction unit prepared to pave the section from Giát intersection to the District People's Committee building with asphalt. However, due to the impact of typhoons No. 2 and No. 4, this section remains closed to traffic. All vehicles are forced to use the north lane, causing frequent traffic jams and collisions.

Mr. Tran Nguyen Ha, Director of the Cienco 4 project management board, said: "Currently, construction is facing difficulties due to a lack of available land. If the land is fully handed over, the project can be completed in about 3 months."

Fifteen households on the west side of the overpass have yet to hand over their land, causing delays in the project. Photo: Thanh Nhàn

According to Mr. Tran Nguyen Ha, if land clearance remains problematic in the future, the unit will submit a request to the Ministry of Transport and the leadership of Cienco4 Group to temporarily halt the construction of the Giat intersection overpass.

Thanh Nhan