Nghe An province commenced construction of the Vinh - Thanh Thuy expressway project in Dai Hue commune on the afternoon of 18/5. The project begins at the Hung Tay interchange, linking with the Dien Chau - Bai Vot section of the North-South Expressway East, and concludes at the Thanh Thuy - Nam On border gate area on the Vietnam - Laos border.

The route is planned for six lanes, with the first stage featuring four completed lanes and major bridges constructed to accommodate six lanes. The roadbed will be 32,25 m wide for sections designed for speeds of 100-120 km/h, and 29 m wide for challenging terrains with speeds of 60-80 km/h. The project has a total investment of approximately 24,000 billion VND, with operation anticipated in 2029.

The project will utilize approximately 582 hectares of land, including nearly 98,5 hectares of upstream protection forest, 141 hectares of production forest, over 221 hectares of rice cultivation land, and nearly 31 hectares of residential land, along with other land types.

The Hung Tay interchange on the Dien Chau - Bai Vot section, marking the starting point of the Vinh - Thanh Thuy expressway. *Duc Hung*

The Vinh - Thanh Thuy expressway forms part of the Hanoi - Vientiane connectivity corridor, with its alignment agreed upon by the governments of Vietnam and Laos in 2016. The Vietnamese section spans approximately 370 km, with about 310 km overlapping with the North-South Expressway East, which is currently under construction or already completed.

Upon completion, the expressway will significantly reduce travel time from the Thanh Thuy border gate to Nghe An's urban centers and seaports, enhancing connectivity between the North Central Coast, Laos, and Thailand. Tourist destinations such as Cua Lo beach, the Kim Lien historical site, and Pu Mat National Park are also expected to become more accessible, attracting more visitors.

The route of the Vinh - Thanh Thuy expressway. *Khanh Ly*

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Bui Thanh An, Vice Chairman of Nghe An Provincial People's Committee, stated that this is a strategic infrastructure project for both the locality and the region. He acknowledged the project faces numerous challenges, requiring close coordination among all levels and sectors. He also urged the government and relevant ministries to provide support in resolving obstacles to ensure the project's progress and quality.

Duc Hung