On 2/8, Luong Van Hiep, general director of the Huu Nghi - Chi Lang project, reported that 102 households have yet to relocate to clear the site for the expressway. Most households have agreed to move to temporary housing while awaiting the completion of resettlement areas, but the relocation process is slow. To date, Lang Son province has handed over 546 out of 557 hectares (97%) of cleared land.

In addition, 32 locations with existing power lines, telecommunications infrastructure, railway signals, and water pipes remain unresolved. Some subcontractors are experiencing delays due to shortages of equipment, personnel, and funding, potentially impacting the project's completion timeline.

Machinery and equipment at the Huu Nghi - Chi Lang expressway construction site. Photo: Anh Duy

Machinery and equipment at the Huu Nghi - Chi Lang expressway construction site. Photo: Anh Duy

Currently, the construction site employs over 2,600 personnel, utilizes more than 1,200 pieces of equipment, and has 140 work fronts across 4 contract packages. The current construction output has reached 2,150 billion VND, equivalent to 43% of the contract value.

To address the site clearance bottleneck, a project representative said a task force will be established to directly support housing relocation costs and site leveling, enabling smooth construction for contractors, while also addressing financial difficulties during negotiations. The project is also prepared to advance funds as needed to expedite the relocation of technical infrastructure.

Construction plans will be adjusted based on real-world conditions, prioritizing areas where site clearance has been completed, such as roads, bridges, and culverts.

Some areas along the expressway route still face site clearance issues. Photo: Anh Duy

Some areas along the expressway route still face site clearance issues. Photo: Anh Duy

On-site, Ho Minh Hoang, chairman of the Deo Ca Group – the general contractor – requested the project unit clarify the remaining 2% of uncleared land and the 32 unresolved technical infrastructure locations to report to relevant authorities for resolution in August.

Deo Ca Group's leadership urged subcontractors to maximize personnel and equipment to compensate for delays and replace underperforming contractors. On-site inspections will be intensified, with rigorous monitoring of each milestone to ensure timely completion.

Route of the Huu Nghi - Chi Lang expressway.

The over 43 km Huu Nghi - Chi Lang expressway begins at National Highway 1, connecting to the Huu Nghi border gate road in Dong Dang town, Cao Loc district, Lang Son province. It ends at the Bac Giang - Chi Lang expressway in Mai Sao commune, Chi Lang district, Lang Son province. The expressway will have 4 lanes and a 17 m roadbed in phase one. In the final phase, it will be expanded to 6 lanes and 32 m wide.

The project also includes two 17 km connecting sections to the Tan Thanh and Coc Nam border gates. These sections will initially have two lanes and a width of 14.5 m, later expanding to 4 lanes and 22 m upon completion.

Construction began on 21/4/2024. Upon completion, the expressway will connect to three international border gates: Huu Nghi, Coc Nam, and Tan Thanh. The project is scheduled to open by the end of 2025 and be fully completed in 2026.

Doan Loan