The joint venture of investors has proposed the temporary, toll-free operation of approximately 62 km of expressways in Lang Son and Cao Bang provinces. This initiative aims to facilitate travel for residents during the 2027 Lunar New Year. The proposal was made during Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc's inspection visit to the Huu Nghi - Chi Lang and Dong Dang - Tra Linh expressway projects on 27/9.

The proposed sections for temporary operation include parts of the Huu Nghi - Chi Lang project, specifically from Chi Lang through the IC02 interchange and the Tan Thanh - Coc Nam route. Additionally, the Tan Thanh (Lang Son) - Dong Khe (Cao Bang) section of the Dong Dang - Tra Linh project is included.

Before these sections can open, the Ministry of Construction is required to coordinate with the Traffic Police Department (C08) and the investors. Their joint task is to finalize a comprehensive traffic management plan and conduct incident response drills. These measures are crucial to ensure the safety of both commuters and vehicles.

Bridge at km79 of the Dong Dang - Tra Linh expressway project. *Photo: Phuong Linh*

The Dong Dang - Tra Linh expressway, a vital link between Lang Son and Cao Bang, spans over 93 km in its first phase. The project enterprise reports significant progress, with over 2,000 personnel and nearly 900 machines and equipment deployed across 132 construction fronts.

Financial execution for phase one, featuring two lanes, has reached approximately 9,280 billion dong, representing 79% of the total 11,631 billion dong. Phase two, which involves expanding to four lanes, has achieved over 1,000 billion dong, or 34% of its 2,965 billion dong budget. Construction progress includes the completion of about 25 million cubic meters of roadbed excavation and 14,9 million cubic meters of embankment out of a total 15 million. Furthermore, 62 of the 64 bridges are complete, with the remaining two overpasses anticipated to finish in November.

The project is on track to complete the 93 km roadbed, which will be 22 m wide, by April 2027, with the entire construction slated for March 2028. Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh noted that current site clearance and construction progress suggest the Dong Dang - Tra Linh expressway could be finished one year ahead of its initial schedule. However, challenges remain, as some areas in Lang Son province still await full site clearance, impacting the synchronized execution of construction.

During his inspection, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc emphasized the importance of leveraging favorable weather conditions. He urged all units to continue mobilizing resources, including personnel and machinery, to ensure synchronized construction. This approach aims to prevent disjointed completed sections, which could hinder connectivity and operational efficiency. Additionally, he stressed the need to reinforce embankment slopes to mitigate landslide risks and uphold structural quality and safety.

The Deputy Prime Minister also directed local authorities to complete site clearance for both expressway projects by October. This includes the main routes, service roads, and rest stops. Concurrently, they must finalize the relocation of technical infrastructure, housing, and the development of resettlement areas.

Anh Duy