On Thursday, work started on the road tunnel project at the intersection of Dien Bien Phu and Nguyen Tri Phuong streets.

The architectural design of the tunnel (Photo: Internet)

The project will feature an 80m-long reinforced concrete tunnel with new approach roads and cuttings.  Through the tunnel there will be two lanes for the Bus Rapid Transit system and another two lanes for other vehicles.  In addition, drainage, lighting, traffic lights and surveillance camera systems will be installed.

The project will help ease the current traffic congestion at the intersection whilst not destroying any urban structures or incurring any land clearance costs.

The tunnel is expected to be completed before 2 September 2017 in order for it to be fully in use during the APEC Economic Leaders' Week in November.