VietNamNet Bridge – Two Japanese companies are fixing a number of soaked spots and water leaks recently detected on the ceiling of Ho Chi Minh City’s Thu Thiem Tunnel, the most modern tunnel in Vietnam and the longest in Southeast Asia that was just opened to traffic late last year.

Obayashi Corporation, Thu Thiem Tunnel’s main contractor, and Oriental Consultants, foreign consultant and supervisor of the tunnel, are expected to fix the newly-detected leaks during their regular ongoing maintenance from July 21 to August 31, said Luong Minh Phuc, director of Ho Chi Minh City’s Urban Transport Investment and Construction.

The soaked spots are reportedly within the allowable limit and are different from the old wet spots that have already been repaired.

Soaked spots found on the tunnel's ceiling. (Photos: VNE)

It is believed the spots appeared after the tunnel was opened to traffic on November 20 last year. The state’s check and acceptance board has allowed the contractor to fix them, Phuc confirmed.

Phuc added the tunnel is under warranty until November 2012 when it will be handed over to Vietnamese authorities and Obayashi will bear all fixing costs.

Soaked spots found on the tunnel's ceiling.

Thu Thiem Tunnel, which is said to be the longest of its kind in Southeast Asia, has a length of 1.49 km, width of 33 m, and height of 9 m with six traffic lanes.

It connects the existing urban center of Ho Chi Minh City with Thu Thiem New Urban Area in District 2.

VietNamNet/Tuoi Tre