A representative from the Vinh Bypass BOT Branch stated that they are finalizing documents for the major overhaul of the Vinh bypass and National Highway 1, specifically the section from South Ben Thuy Bridge to the Ha Tinh bypass. This comes after the Vietnam Road Administration decided to suspend toll collection at the two Ben Thuy BOT stations for 30 days, starting on 20/10, due to deteriorated roads and delayed repairs.

According to the enterprise, the major overhaul requires substantial capital. Meanwhile, revenue at the two stations has significantly decreased because several expressways, coastal roads, and connecting transport infrastructure projects have become operational, offering vehicles alternative routes.

Beyond capital challenges, the enterprise must complete numerous procedures before implementation, including: surveying the current condition, defining the scope of repairs, preparing designs, cost estimates, and financial plans.

The total estimated cost for the major overhaul exceeds 600 billion dong. This budget will focus on repairing approximately 60 km across the Vinh bypass and National Highway 1, from South Ben Thuy Bridge to the Ha Tinh bypass. These routes, in operation for many years, exhibit significant issues such as rutting, cracking, peeling, and structural damage in multiple sections.

A company representative stated that the Vietnam Road Administration has approved the major road overhaul. The unit is collaborating with consultants and specialized agencies to finalize survey, design, and appraisal documents for submission to the Administration by 20/10, with construction anticipated to begin in November. The final cost will be determined after all appraisal and approval procedures are completed as per regulations.

Under the proposed plan, damaged road sections will be milled, foundations treated if necessary, and asphalt concrete repaved. The enterprise will also repair the drainage system, road markings, signs, guardrails, traffic lights, and add traffic safety features near schools.

During the waiting period for the major overhaul, the investor confirmed they would continue inspecting and patrolling the routes, placing warning signs, and repairing hazardous locations. The temporary suspension of tolls does not equate to a halt in maintenance; the enterprise remains responsible for ensuring safe and smooth traffic flow.

National Highway 1 section through Ha Tinh province shows numerous wheel ruts, September 2026. Photo: Duc Hung

Previously, the Vietnam Road Administration decided to suspend toll collection at Ben Thuy and Ben Thuy 2 stations for 30 days, starting at 0h on 20/10. This decision was made because many damages along the route had not been thoroughly rectified.

From September 2025 to September 2026, the Administration issued repair requests to the investor six times. Road Management Area II also imposed administrative penalties on the Vinh Bypass BOT Branch two times, yet the remediation progress remained slow, and the quality of certain items did not meet requirements.

An inspection on 9/10 revealed that many road sections still exhibited rutting, damage, and faded road markings. The steel girder system of Ben Thuy Bridge was severely damaged, and approach roads at Hung Thinh, Gay, and Tram Bom bridges had serious depressions.

The Vietnam Road Administration instructed the investor to mobilize personnel, equipment, and funds to repair the damages during the toll suspension period. All toll lanes must remain open for vehicles to pass free of charge, preventing traffic congestion.

The toll suspension period will be deducted from the revenue recovery period, with the investor bearing the financial losses incurred as per the BOT contract.

The two Ben Thuy stations collect tolls to recover investment for the Vinh bypass project, operational since November 2005, and the project to upgrade and expand National Highway 1 from South Ben Thuy Bridge to the Ha Tinh bypass, operational since January 2014. Fees range from 40,000 to 200,000 dong per turn, depending on the vehicle type.

Duc Hung