Two route options have been proposed by Japan’s Pacific Consultants International for the Ca Pass road tunnel that would link the provinces of Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa in central Vietnam.

The cheaper option involves construction of a 4.2km long tunnel at a cost of US$235M, while the more expensive proposal, estimated at US$289M, involves a 5.6km long tunnel.

Pacific Consultants International said construction would start in 2010, with completion in 2014. But transport minister Dao Dinh Binh wants this seven year design and construction phase shortened by two years and has asked for the tunnel to be opened to traffic in 2012.

The project will be jointly financed by the Japan Bank for International Co-operation and the Vietnam government.