On 19/8, the People's Committee of Gia Lai province commenced construction on component two of the Quy Nhon - Pleiku expressway. This segment extends from National Highway 19's intersection through Tay Son to the Mang Yang intersection.
This component is the longest of the three route segments, boasting the largest investment capital and a complex technical scope. It includes two bridge structures and two special-grade tunnels traversing the An Khe and Mang Yang passes.
The project traverses an area of complex topography and geology. Notably, the An Khe tunnel alone is 2,8 km long. A highlight of the project is the Ba La 2 bridge, which will feature a pier approximately 105 m high, making it currently the tallest in Vietnam. The previous record was held by Mong Sen bridge, with an 83 m high pier, inaugurated in 2023.
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Artist's rendering of Ba La 2 bridge with a pier height of 105 m. *Photo: Investor* |
The entire Quy Nhon - Pleiku expressway spans 125 km, passing through 16 communes and wards in Gia Lai. It will be built as a complete four-lane road, with a roadbed and bridge width of 24,75 m, designed for speeds of 100 km/h. The total investment exceeds 43,700 billion dong, with implementation scheduled for 2025-2029.
Upon completion, the new route is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Quy Nhon and Pleiku from the current 3,5-4 hours to just 1,5-2 hours. Additionally, it is projected to cut transportation costs and time by 40-50%. Currently, vehicles traveling between the two localities primarily use National Highway 19, which features many winding, steep passes and narrow roads, posing a risk of accidents.
The expressway is anticipated to enhance connectivity between the Central Highlands and the South Central Coast, linking to the North-South expressway. It will also expand the logistics corridor from the East Sea to the highlands and the Le Thanh international border gate. This strategic infrastructure project is expected to stimulate socio-economic development, attract investment, and boost trade with Southern Laos and Northeastern Cambodia.
Tran Hoa
