Following the 9th session of the 15th National Assembly, the construction ministry received a proposal from Lam Dong province voters to approve the addition of an east-west expressway connecting the central highlands with the coast to the master plan and to invest in this expressway before 2030. This would ensure connectivity between economic zones and urban areas in Lam Dong province.

In response, the ministry stated that Lam Dong province does not currently have an east-west expressway planned in the 2021-2030 road network master plan, with a vision to 2050, which was approved by the prime minister. Road connectivity in the western region towards the East Sea is currently provided by national highways 55, 28, and 28B.

The urban areas of Gia Nghia, Bao Loc, and Phan Thiet are currently connected by national highways, with no expressway.

Researching and planning an east-west expressway connecting the economic and urban centers of Phan Thiet, Bao Loc, and Gia Nghia is necessary to promote industrial and urban development, open up new development spaces, facilitate goods transportation and agricultural exports, and contribute to national defense and security, as suggested by Lam Dong province voters.

The construction ministry will consider adding the east-west expressway connecting Phan Thiet, Bao Loc, and Gia Nghia during the road network master plan review and adjustment process.

If Lam Dong province needs to invest in the expressway sooner to meet socioeconomic development needs, the ministry suggests the province review and add it to the Lam Dong province master plan as a basis for investment. The ministry will coordinate with the Lam Dong province people's committee during the expressway planning and investment process.

Vietnam's expressway network plan. Graphics: Hoang Khanh

Anh Duy