HCMC – After receiving a construction inspection report, the HCMC Department of Transport has requested damage to the Saigon River Tunnel be fixed although it has yet to affect the tunnel’s bearing capacity.
The report from the Urban Traffic Management Center showed that the Saigon River Tunnel, commonly known as the Thu Thiem Tunnel, sustained some minor damage that needs to be fixed and closely monitored after 10 years of operation.
Specifically, some small cracks and water seepage have appeared in the U-shaped openings and the outer wall, while water has stagnated in some parts of the tunnel.
The parts with seepage and water stagnation have been fixed; however, they require to be closely monitored.
The Urban Traffic Management Center has been assigned to promptly detect the damage and maintain the tunnel according to the relevant technical standards and regulations.
Other relevant agencies are in charge of reviewing and evaluating the operation, maintenance and management process and promptly proposing appropriate maintenance plans.
Previously, the Saigon River Tunnel passed a regular load test from the Urban Traffic Management Center. The result showed that the tunnel’s bearing capacity was still good despite the minor damage.
The intensive maintenance of the tunnel has been promptly carried out after 10 years of operation. Some minor damage was detected and fixed, according to a report in 2021.
The center conducts a safety inspection of the tunnel every day, as recommended by the inspection consultant, to ensure the longevity and durability of the tunnel.
