The Vietnam Road Administration has decided to temporarily suspend toll collection at the Ben Thuy and Ben Thuy 2 stations, effective from 0:00 on 20/10. This measure addresses slow repairs on damaged sections of the Vinh bypass project and national highway 1, specifically the stretch from the south of Ben Thuy bridge to the old north Ha Tinh City bypass.

Between 9/2025 and 9/2026, the Vietnam Road Administration issued six written requests to the investor for repairs along the route. Additionally, Road Management Area II imposed two administrative penalties on the Vinh City bypass BOT branch. Despite these actions, repair progress has been slow, and many items still do not meet required standards.

From 11/9 to 9/10, the project enterprise undertook repairs, including patching potholes, addressing cracked road surfaces, fixing wheel ruts, mending shoulders, replacing signs, repairing traffic lights, and repainting road markings. However, an inspection on 9/10 indicated persistent issues, with many sections still showing ruts, localized damage, and faded road markings.

Ben Thuy bridge has sustained severe damage to its steel beam system. Furthermore, the approach roads at both ends of the Hung Thinh, Gay, and Tram Bom bridges show significant depressions. Numerous road sections feature faded markings, compromising their warning and lane division functions, thereby elevating the risk of traffic accidents.

The Ben Thuy toll station is located in Truong Vinh ward, Nghe An province. *Duc Hung*

During the 30-day toll suspension, the investor and project enterprise must mobilize personnel, equipment, and funds to comprehensively repair all damages, ensuring both structural quality and traffic safety.

All toll lanes must remain open to allow free traffic flow. The investor is responsible for coordinating with traffic police and local authorities to manage traffic, prevent congestion, and fully maintain the road's operational management and maintenance.

The duration of the suspension will be deducted from the project's toll collection period for capital recovery. The investor is solely responsible for any financial losses arising from this period, as stipulated by the BOT contract.

Road Management Area II has been tasked with inspecting and overseeing the repair progress and quality, providing weekly reports to the Vietnam Road Administration. Once the enterprise completes the necessary remediation, the administration will conduct a physical inspection. Toll collection will only resume if the repairs meet all specified requirements. Should the work remain unsatisfactory, authorities will consider further enforcement actions.

The two Ben Thuy BOT stations collect tolls to recover capital for two projects: the Vinh City bypass, operational since 11/2005, and the upgrade and expansion of national highway 1, covering the section from the south of Ben Thuy bridge to the Ha Tinh City bypass, operational since 1/2014. Current toll rates range from 40,000 to 200,000 VND per turn, depending on the vehicle type.

Doan Loan