This content was outlined by the Management Board of Construction Investment Project No. 1 of Lam Dong province in a report proposing an adjustment to the investment policy for two expressways: Tan Phu - Bao Loc and Bao Loc - Lien Khuong, under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

According to the proposal, the Bao Loc - Lien Khuong section, nearly 74 km long, will see its roadbed widened from 17 meters in the phased investment plan to 24,75 meters. This upgrade will achieve expressway standards with four lanes, a speed limit of 100 km/h, and continuous emergency lanes along the entire route.

Expressway route connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat. Graphics: Tran Nam

Additionally, the bridge system will be expanded concurrently, and the Gia Hiep interchange will receive investment, including an overpass and an underpass for local traffic, instead of being implemented in a later phase. The preliminary estimated total investment is 18,036 billion VND (excluding loan interest).

The Tan Phu - Bao Loc section, 66 km long, including 11 km through Dong Nai province, will have its roadbed widened from 17 meters to 22 meters. This will also feature a four-lane expressway, an 80 km/h speed limit, and continuous emergency lanes, replacing the previous design of spaced emergency points every 4-5 km along the route.

The revised proposal also suggests adding an asphalt concrete wearing course, expanding all 16 bridges on the route, and completing the traffic safety system, drainage, underpasses for local traffic, and other operational support facilities. The total adjusted investment is approximately 16,493 billion VND (excluding loan interest).

Construction for the Bao Loc - Lien Khong expressway is set to begin in June 2025, while the Tan Phu - Bao Loc route will start construction at the end of the same year. Originally, both projects were planned for completion and operation by the end of 2027. However, with the proposal for a full-scale upgrade, the project completion time is expected to extend by about one year.

Road roller working on the Bao Loc - Lien Khuong expressway construction. Photo: Xuan Huong

According to the conclusion by Nguyen Hong Hai, Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, at a meeting regarding the two expressway projects, the province agreed to the policy of refining the investment dossier for a complete investment plan, replacing the previous phased approach. This adjustment will enhance operational capacity, ensure traffic safety, and meet long-term infrastructure development needs.

Mr. Hai assigned the Management Board of Construction Investment Project No. 1 to coordinate with relevant units to review and finalize the adjusted investment policy dossier before submitting it to competent authorities for consideration.

The Tan Phu - Bao Loc and Bao Loc - Lien Khuong expressways, once completed, are expected to halve the travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat to three hours. The route will also reduce the burden on National Route 20 and stimulate the development of tourism, logistics, industry, and urban areas along the route.

Khanh Huong - Truong Ha