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| The Cao Bo-Mai Son section of the North-South Expressway is set to undergo a significant transformation with an expansion from four to six lanes. (Photo: kinhtedothi.vn) |
Vietnam is gearing up for an extensive road development program with the construction and expansion of seven expressway projects slated to commence this year. These ventures hold national significance and are expected to bolster the country’s transportation landscape upon completion.
As of the end of 2024, Vietnam boasted approximately 2,000 kilometers of operational expressways, a remarkable achievement. However, financial constraints have left some of these roads with limited lane capacity and speed restrictions, hindering their full potential.
The Ministry of Construction has shed light on the challenges faced by certain road sections, attributing them to the initial investment phase. Some roads currently have only two lanes or four lanes with restricted widths, while emergency lanes are either absent or inadequate for vehicles to pull over safely.
In addition, the lack of rest stops and the inevitable degradation due to long-term use, especially with increasing traffic volume, have further exacerbated the situation.
Addressing these issues is paramount, as evidenced by the unfortunate incidents of serious accidents on expressways across the country.
Demonstrating proactive governance, the Ministry of Construction has outlined a comprehensive plan to enhance traffic infrastructure. By the end of this year, they aim to complete 50 existing transport projects and initiate 19 new ones, showcasing an unwavering commitment to progress.
Of particular note are the seven major expressway projects that will break ground in 2025. This includes expansion works on the North-South Expressway, specifically the Cao Bo – Mai Son, Cam Lo – La Son, and La Son – Hoa Lien sections, as well as the HCM City – Trung Luong Expressway.
Additionally, three new construction projects will commence: the Cho Moi – Bac Kan Expressway, the inaugural phase of the My An – Cao Lanh Expressway, and the Dau Giay – Tan Phu Expressway, each promising to revolutionize connectivity across Vietnam.
Earlier this month, the expansion of the North-South Expressway from Cao Bo to Mai Son officially kicked off. This 15.2-kilometer stretch will be widened to six lanes, allowing for faster and smoother travel between Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh provinces.
The Cam Lo – La Son section, spanning approximately 98.35 kilometers, will also witness an upgrade from two to four lanes, thanks to an investment of 6.5 trillion VND.
Similarly, the La Son – Hoa Lien Expressway, connecting Hue province and Da Nang, will be expanded to four lanes along a 65-kilometer stretch, enhancing traffic flow and reducing travel time.
Plans are also underway to expand the Ho Chi Minh City – Trung Luong Expressway, which currently has four lanes, to up to eight lanes in certain parts. This strategic move will alleviate congestion and reduce the frequency of traffic accidents on this key route connecting Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta region.
In addition to these expansion projects, new expressways are being built to further enhance Vietnam’s road network.
The Cho Moi – Bac Kan Expressway, a 29-kilometer stretch with four lanes, is designed to facilitate faster travel between northern provinces. With an investment of 5.75 trillion VND, this road will bolster socio-economic development and strengthen national defense.
Phase 1 of the My An – Cao Lanh Expressway, measuring 26.6 kilometers in length, will feature four lanes and a design speed of 100 kilometers per hour. This project, with an investment of nearly 6.2 trillion VND, will improve connectivity along the Ho Chi Minh Highway and provide a much-needed alternative to National Highway 1.
The Dau Giay – Tan Phu Expressway, constructed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, boasts a total investment of 9 trillion VND. With a length of about 60.24 kilometers and four lanes, this expressway will foster economic growth in the southeastern region by enhancing connectivity.
Enhanced Connectivity and Safety
Traffic expert Nguyen Manh Thang emphasizes the positive impact of these expressway projects on infrastructure and road safety. By increasing the number of lanes, congestion and overloading issues will be mitigated, leading to safer and more efficient travel.
Thang further explains that lower traffic density and improved road conditions will minimize the risk of accidents, ensuring a more controlled and secure driving experience.
The expansion projects will also introduce additional interchanges and junctions, making it safer and more efficient for vehicles to enter and exit the expressway.
Safety features such as guardrails, emergency lanes, barriers, speed bumps, signage, drainage systems, and road markings will be implemented to prevent accidents caused by loss of control or adverse weather conditions.
Additionally, the expressways will be integrated with Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to provide real-time traffic alerts, ensuring a safer and more informed driving experience.
Catalyzing Economic Growth
Economist Hoang Thi Thu Phuong underscores the profound impact of transport infrastructure development on economic and social progress. The expedited travel times between regions enabled by these expressway projects will foster stronger interprovincial connections.
“Reduced travel times will empower businesses and residents to access new markets with ease, promoting trade and the exchange of goods,” Phuong asserts.
Uninterrupted traffic flow on these expressways will also lower transportation costs, enhance logistics and production efficiency, and bolster trade activities.
The proximity of industrial zones and regions to these expressways will attract investments, boost tourism, and invigorate service industries, ultimately elevating Vietnam’s economic productivity.
In conclusion, the expansion and construction of these expressways not only address existing infrastructure limitations but also prioritize road safety through improved design, efficient traffic management, robust protection systems, and advanced monitoring technology.
Furthermore, these projects will stimulate socio-economic development by enhancing transportation efficiency and regional connectivity, aligning with Vietnam’s ambitious goals for its expressway network.
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