Construction teams at the Dong Dang - Tra Linh expressway project, spanning Lang Son and Cao Bang provinces, are leveraging favorable weather to accelerate important work. Ninety-three construction fronts for bridges, tunnels, and roads are simultaneously active, employing nearly 900 machines and over 2,000 personnel. Some sections have already begun expanding the roadbed from 17 m to 22 m, aligning with the phase 2 completion scale.

The project currently utilizes 4 high-capacity asphalt concrete paving lines. Total output has reached 8,726 out of 14,628 billion VND, representing about 74% of the contract value.

Along the expressway section in Viet Hung commune, Lang Son, roadbed construction is underway across multiple fronts. Paving and rolling machines operate continuously, with teams coordinating to ensure progress. Vu Van Luyen, a machine operator, stated the importance of taking advantage of the dry, moderately warm weather to increase output.

The Dong Dang - Tra Linh expressway construction site. Photo: Phuong Linh

Phase 1 of the project includes two mountain tunnels, Dong Khe and That Khe. To date, internal and external tunnel components are largely complete. At the That Khe tunnel, contractors are focusing on drainage system construction, preparing for asphalt concrete paving and equipment installation.

According to the plan, on 19/5, the project will open 62 km from Dong Dang border gate (Lang Son) to Dong Khe commune (Cao Bang) for technical traffic. The remaining sections will be open on the roadbed, except for some areas affected by floods in 2025.

Nguyen Duc Tuan, deputy general director of the project enterprise, stated that in the next month, contractors will concentrate on addressing critical path locations, prioritizing the completion of the road surface, guardrails, median barriers, and traffic safety systems. "The project is being constructed in complex terrain, but with high expectations from the local authorities and residents, all personnel are striving to meet the set progress milestones," he said.

According to Tuan, due to the nature of the work, which often involves being away from home, continuous construction, and tight deadlines even during holidays, employee benefits are a priority. Engineers and workers on duty during these days receive full overtime pay, holiday wages, and additional bonuses and support according to the company's policies.

Project management actively visits and encourages workers on site, providing shift meals and rest facilities to ensure their well-being and productivity.

Sections of the Huu Nghi - Chi Lang expressway are being paved with asphalt concrete. Photo: Phuong Linh

The Huu Nghi - Chi Lang expressway, nearly 60 km long and passing through Lang Son province, is taking shape. Many components along the route are entering the completion phase. At Km43, workers are laying polymer layers and installing guardrails; at Km44, teams are constructing median barriers, painting road markings, and installing traffic safety signs. Taking advantage of the dry weather, construction fronts in this segment operate continuously, making every hour count to complete final items.

Even on the holiday, approximately 2,600 people and 1,200 pieces of equipment are working on the site, deploying 131 construction fronts. The completed value has reached over 5,587 out of 7,949 billion VND, or about 70% of the contract.

As planned, by 19/5, the Huu Nghi - Chi Lang project will complete a 27 km segment, from the end of the Bac Giang - Lang Son expressway to the IC03 interchange, adjacent to Quoc lo 4B (on the outskirts of the former Lang Son city), 7 months ahead of the contract schedule.

Tran Van Chuan, deputy director of the Huu Nghi - Chi Lang Project Management Board, noted that engineers and workers are conducting their duties as usual during the holiday. With limited time until 19/5, the unit is determined to accelerate construction, working day and night to meet the plan.

In the south, the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong - My Thuan expressway expansion project is also entering an accelerated phase before the rainy season. Across the entire route, over 1,000 workers and 470 pieces of equipment have been mobilized, deploying 61 construction fronts, including 35 road fronts and 26 bridge fronts.

The construction site for the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong expressway expansion project. Photo: Phuong Linh

According to the plan, the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong section will be upgraded to 10-12 lanes, and the Trung Luong - My Thuan section will be expanded to 6 lanes with an emergency stop lane. Currently, construction output stands at about 50%, closely adhering to the schedule.

Nguyen Ngoc Lam, director of the project executive board, stated that contractors must maintain construction during the holiday to capitalize on favorable weather, pushing key items forward before the rainy season begins.

At this site, workers receive overtime pay, holiday wages, and additional support. Project leaders also visit workers and provide quality meals to ensure the health of all staff and workers.

Doan Loan