The TA will finance consulting services to prepare detailed engineering designs and bidding documents for Cao Lahn Bridge and the road that connects the two bridges. A consulting firm recruited under the TA will also assist the government of Vietnam with procurement of works and supervise construction, ensure the project’s adherence to ADB’s policies and help implement its social action plan.
The construction of the other bridge, Vam Cong Bridge, is supported by the government of the Republic of Korea through a US$200 million loan agreement signed with Vietnam. The project is estimated to cost US$750 million.
Once constructed, the bridges and road will benefit about 170,000 users per day and five million residents of An Giang, Can Tho, and Dong Thap provinces. The bridges and road will also improve transport services across and within the Central Mekong Delta region by connecting Ho Chi Minh City with the southwestern region of the Mekong Delta.
The Ministry of Transport is the executing agency for the TA. It is expected that the engineering designs and bidding process will be completed within 2012 and construction will start in 2013. The bridge and connecting road are expected to open for public use in 2017.
