The Vietnam Road Administration recently proposed to the Ministry of Construction to adjust the National Road Network Master Plan, including the addition of three new expressways with an investment roadmap set for after 2030.
The first proposed route is the Lang Son - Thai Nguyen - Tuyen Quang - Yen Bai - Son La expressway. This route is approximately 378 km long with 4 lanes and is identified as a northern expressway belt, connecting administrative centers and border provinces.
This expressway will establish a new East-West transport corridor in the North, connecting international border gates like Tan Thanh and Chieng Khuong, thereby creating an additional cross-border transport axis. The route is also expected to expand industrial, logistics, and urban development space as many existing East-West axes become overloaded.
The second proposed route is the Cao Bang - Tuyen Quang - Lao Cai - Son La expressway, approximately 335 km long with 4 lanes. The proposed plan includes adjusting the route of the Hanoi - Lao Cai expressway to connect Ha Giang, shifting from the previous option to National Highway 279, specifically the section from Bac Quang to Bao Ha.
The Vietnam Road Administration considers this another northern expressway belt, linking administrative centers following administrative unit rearrangement and enhancing connectivity with border regions. This route is expected to form a new economic corridor along the Dien Bien - Son La - Lao Cai - Tuyen Quang - Thai Nguyen - Lang Son axis, connecting from Tay Trang border gate to the Northeast border area.
This expressway will also support the transshipment of goods between production and processing centers and major seaports, airports, and border gates. Beyond economic benefits, this expressway is also deemed significant for national defense, security, and increasing natural disaster response capabilities for the Northern Midlands and Mountains region.
The third proposed route is the Phan Thiet - Bao Loc - Gia Nghia expressway, approximately 141 km long with 4 lanes. This route connects the Southern Central Highlands with the South Central Coast and the Southern key economic region.
According to the proposing agency, this will be a new East-West economic corridor, increasing links between the Central Highlands and seaport systems in Binh Thuan and Ba Ria - Vung Tau. It will also connect Phan Thiet Airport and Long Thanh Airport. This route is also expected to boost cargo transport capacity, especially for bauxite ore, alumina, and agricultural products from the Central Highlands to export seaports, thereby reducing transport time and logistics costs.
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Simulation of the proposed three new expressway routes. |
According to the Road Administration, the addition of these routes aims to meet long-term increases in transport demand after updating GDP growth targets in the National Master Plan. Furthermore, it will enhance connectivity among regions, international border gates, and logistics centers.
In addition to proposing new routes, the Vietnam Road Administration also suggested adjusting the investment timelines for several projects. Specifically, the Bao Ha - Lai Chau expressway is recommended to shift its investment from after 2030 to before that time. Meanwhile, the Noi Bai - Bac Ninh - Ha Long expressway, specifically the Bac Ninh - Ha Long section, is proposed to be postponed until after 2030.
Anh Duy
