Proposal to build a tunnel through the mountain in Sa Pa

TPO - The rapid increase in the number of tourists in recent years has caused many roads leading to the Sa Pa National Tourist Area to be frequently congested. Faced with this situation, the local government has proposed building a tunnel through the mountain to reduce traffic pressure and create convenience for tourists.

General perspective of the project.

During the 2020 - 2025 term and now, Sa Pa authorities have identified solving traffic congestion as a key task. After many proposed options such as building bypasses, overpasses, and tunnels through mountains, the most optimal solution is to invest in a connecting route from National Highway 4D bypass to the center, passing through the stadium and then digging a tunnel through Ham Rong mountain to connect with Provincial Road 152 to Ta Van, Ban Ho, and Muong Bo communes. The route is about 10 km long, including 1 km of tunnel.

If implemented, the project will fundamentally overcome local traffic congestion, create open space to organize cultural and tourism activities, and develop walking streets.

Mr. To Ngoc Lien - Chairman of Sa Pa Ward People's Committee - said that in recent years, the number of tourists to Sa Pa has increased rapidly, while the traffic infrastructure has not kept up. The biggest bottleneck now is traffic congestion in the central area, especially on weekends and holidays. The above project is the only solution to the traffic congestion problem in Sa Pa.

Perspective of Sa Pa road tunnel project.

Previously, Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee approved the investment policy for a connecting road from National Highway 4D bypass to Sa Pa ward center, with a length of about 4.4 km. Currently, Sa Pa ward People's Committee is coordinating with the Department of Construction and consulting units to study the tunnel route, ensuring synchronization with traffic infrastructure, both effective and preserving the landscape.

According to statistics, in 2010 Sa Pa only welcomed about 450,000 visitors, but by 2024 it had increased to nearly 5 million. Most people and tourists from Sa Pa ward to tourist destinations such as Cau May, Ta Van, Ban Ho, Nam Cang have to go through the center, where many restaurants, hotels, and accommodation facilities are concentrated. Narrow roads cause frequent traffic jams, causing frustration and affecting the image of local tourism.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/de-xuat-xay-ham-xuyen-nui-o-sa-pa-post1780182.tpo