VIETNAM PLANS EXPANSION OF 15 SECTIONS OF NORTH-SOUTH EXPRESSWAY

A bird’s eye view of a section of the North-South Expressway - PHOTO: LE VU

HCMC – Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction has proposed expanding 15 sections of the eastern North-South Expressway, instead of prioritizing upgrades on the busiest stretches, with construction on eligible projects expected to start in early 2027.

Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh on June 2 approved a plan to expand 15 component projects along the eastern North-South Expressway that were initially built under a phased investment approach.

The sections slated for expansion include Mai Son-National Highway 45, National Highway 45-Nghi Son, Nghi Son-Dien Chau, Bai Vot-Ham Nghi, Ham Nghi-Vung Ang, Vung Ang-Bung, Bung-Van Ninh, Van Ninh-Cam Lo, Quang Ngai-Hoai Nhon, Hoai Nhon-Quy Nhon, Quy Nhon-Chi Thanh, Chi Thanh-Van Phong, Van Phong-Nha Trang, Vinh Hao-Phan Thiet, and Phan Thiet-Dau Giay.

All 15 sections will be expanded to a full six-lane expressway standard, with design speeds of 100-120 km/h.

The preliminary investment cost for the 15 component projects is estimated at around VND129 trillion. Once completed, toll collection will be implemented on the expanded sections to help recover investment costs for the state budget.

Three sections developed under public-private partnership (PPP) formats, namely Dien Chau-Bai Vot, Nha Trang-Cam Lam and Cam Lam-Vinh Hao, are also being considered for expansion.

The Ministry of Construction said existing investors would be given priority to study and implement the upgrades, though the projects could be converted to public investment if the investors are unable to proceed.

Minister Tran Hong Minh instructed relevant agencies to finalize the necessary documentation for submission to the government and the National Assembly for approval. Authorities aim to begin construction on eligible projects in early 2027 and complete the expansion of the eastern North-South Expressway by the end of 2030.

Source: The Saigon Times