Research on building tunnel through Cu Hin mountain

Khanh Hoa Department of Transport is carrying out procedures to select a contractor to prepare a pre-feasibility report for the project to build a tunnel through Cu Hin Mountain connecting the Lo River area (Phuoc Dong Commune, Nha Trang City) to Cam Hai Dong Commune (Cam Lam District). The project is designed to facilitate travel between Cam Lam Airport Urban Area and Nha Trang core municipality in the future, creating a seamless route connecting Cam Ranh International Airport, Cu Hin Tunnel, An Vien Bridge and Tran Phu Street.

Proposal to build a tunnel through the mountain connecting Nha Trang and Cam Lam

In July 2024, the Department of Transport reported to the Provincial People's Committee a proposal on Cu Hin Mountain Tunnel Construction Project with  the starting point connected with Nguyen Tat Thanh Street in Phuoc Dong Commune (Nha Trang) and the end point linked to Nguyen Tat Thanh Street in Cam Hai Dong Commune (Cam Lam District).

According to the Department of Transport, the current main route from Nha Trang City to Cam Ranh International Airport is the coastal road over Cu Hin Mountain, which is prone to landslides during the rainy season. This project is completely consistent with the approved master plans. Nha Trang City Master Plan Adjustment Planning to 2040 and the Cam Lam New Urban Master Plan to 2045 include research on building a tunnel through Cu Hin Mountain to enhance traffic connection between the two major cities of the province.

Cu Hin Pass.

The Department of Transport proposed 3 route location options in the investment proposal report. Specifically, option 1 has the starting point connected with Nguyen Tat Thanh Street in Nha Trang and the endpoint linked with Nguyen Tat Thanh Street in Cam Lam District; the total length of the new route is about 5,760m, including a 4,280m tunnel.

Option 2 also has a starting point connected with Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, on Nha Trang City side and an end point linked with Nguyen Tat Thanh Street on Cam Lam District side; the total length of the new route is 5,640m, including a 4,880m tunnel.

Option 3 has the starting point connected with Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Nha Trang City, about 1.5km west of the starting point of the route according to the Master Planning of Nha Trang City until 2040 and the endpoint connected with Vinh Binh - Cu Hin Street, about 1km from the end point of the route according to the Master Planning of Cam Lam New Urban Area until 2045. The total length of the route is 5,980m, including a 3,760m tunnel. Option 3 has a route location basically suitable according to the Adjustment Project of Nha Trang City Master Planning until 2040, but the route direction is adjusted to reduce the tunnel length.

Serving provincial growth

After considering the 3 options, the department proposed option 1 as it is harmonious regarding total investment capital and convenient connectivity. The total investment of the project is expected to be VND2,700 - 3,500 billion, depending on the investment in a completed 1-tunnel, 2-tunnel or shelter tunnel construction.

According to Chu Van An, Deputy Director in charge of the Department of Transport, the Cu Hin Mountain Tunnel Construction Project will serve as an additional traffic route connecting Cam Ranh International Airport to Nha Trang, as well as shortening the existing route travel time on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, meeting the development of industries, tourism, services, creating favorable conditions to promote socio-economic development in the province as well as ensuring national defense and security.

The Department of Transport is selecting a consulting unit to prepare a pre-feasibility report. After having the pre-feasibility report, the department will report to the Provincial People's Committee to decide on the investment scale and time.

Currently, the traffic demand for the construction of the Cu Hin Mountain Tunnel is not necessary. However, when Cam Lam Airport urban area is formed and Cam Ranh International Airport is upgraded to increase passenger handling capacity, this project is really essential to meet the travel needs and socio-economic development of the province.

V.K

Translated by N.T