The Vietnam Road Administration recently submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Construction for appraisal of adjustments to the Road Network Master Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. This agency proposed adding five national highways to be developed as expressways: Vanh Dai 1, Vanh Dai 2, Ha Tinh - Cau Treo, Hue - A Luoi, and Phan Thiet - Bao Loc - Gia Nghia.

The two largest proposed routes are Vanh Dai 1 and Vanh Dai 2, located in the northern midland and mountainous region. Vanh Dai 1 spans approximately 315 km with four lanes, connecting Lang Son to Son La. Vanh Dai 2 extends about 378 km, also with four lanes, traversing many northern mountainous provinces before concluding in Son La. Both projects are proposed for implementation after 2030.

According to the Vietnam Road Administration, these two ring roads will enhance connectivity between border regions and gates with the national transport network. They will also create additional space for industrial, logistics, and urban development in the northern mountainous provinces.

Huu Nghi - Chi Lang expressway through Lang Son is nearing completion. *Photo: Anh Duy*

The Ha Tinh - Cau Treo expressway, approximately 85 km long with 4-6 lanes, will largely run parallel to National Highway 8. This route will connect the eastern North-South expressway with the Cau Treo international border gate, with investment proposed for the periods before and after 2030.

Upon completion, this route will establish a high-speed transport axis from the Cau Treo international border gate to seaports, logistics centers, and the national road network.

The Hue - A Luoi route, approximately 45 km long with four lanes, will largely follow the National Highway 49 corridor, with investment anticipated after 2030. This project is expected to enhance connectivity between the western part of Hue city and border gates adjacent to Laos. It will also improve cargo transport capacity and support rescue and relief efforts in mountainous areas frequently affected by natural disasters.

The route is also intended to gradually replace the role of National Highway 49, which features complex terrain and is often impacted by landslides and extreme weather.

The Phan Thiet - Bao Loc - Gia Nghia expressway, approximately 194 km long with four lanes, is proposed for investment in the periods before and after 2030. This is the only route on the list that directly connects the southern Central Highlands region with the South Central Coast and the Southern Key Economic Region.

According to the proposal, the route will create an East-West economic corridor, linking the Central Highlands with seaports in Binh Thuan and Ba Ria - Vung Tau, as well as Phan Thiet and Long Thanh airports. The route will also help reduce logistics costs and shorten transport times for goods, especially for key Central Highlands products such as bauxite ore, alumina, and agricultural produce.

The Vietnam Road Administration assesses that adding new expressways will increase inter-regional connectivity, expand economic development space, and enhance transport capacity between border areas, gates, and seaports with major production and consumption centers across the country.

Anh Duy