The Hanoi city government on October 2 broke the ground for the construction of an underground tunnel at Le Van Luong - Ring Road 3 intersection, which is designed to ease traffic congestion in one of the busiest intersections in the city, Kinh Te & Do Thi reported.

The underground passageway project, with a total investment of nearly VND700 billion (US$30 million), is expected to be completed in 18 months.

The tunnel is a key project to deal with congestion at one of the busiest intersection in Hanoi. Photo: Ngoc Hai

The tunnel will run 475 meters along the streets of Le Van Luong and To Huu, including a 95-meters totally underground and 380 meters of access and exit ramp. Each direction features two lanes with a width of 7.75 meters.

A consortium of Cienco4 Group JSC, Fecon JSC and Vinh Hung Trade, Consultancy and Construction JSC has been awarded the contracts.

Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Chu Ngoc Anh stated that the underpass is a key project to deal with congestion at the junction and help to complete the capital city’s transport infrastructure.

In order to ensure progress and quality of the project, Mayor Chu Ngoc Anh asked the investor, the Hanoi Traffic Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board, to coordinate closely with the city’s departments to regularly inspect, promptly solve arising issues, and ensure labor safety.

"Especially, the investor must ensure traffic safety, environmental sanitation, minimize the impacts on people's life in the area," Mr. Ngoc Anh said.

According to Director of the Hanoi Traffic Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board Pham Hoang Tuan, once completed, the tunnel is expected to allow vehicles to pass through the Le Van Luong - Ring Road 3 intersection without interruption from crossing streams on Ring Road 3, contributing to reducing congestion and creating a beautiful urban landscape.