MINISTER TRAN HONG MINH LAUNCHES EXPANSION OF LA SON – HOA LIEN EXPRESSWAY

On May 29, Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh officially launched the expansion of the La Son – Hoa Liên route into a four-lane expressway, aiming to boost traffic capacity and reduce road accidents.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister Minh emphasized that as part of the national 10-year socio-economic development strategy (2020–2030), numerous key transportation projects have been invested in and upgraded. These efforts ensure seamless connectivity between major economic centers, regions across the country, and international trade routes.

According to Minister Minh, the national expressway network is steadily taking shape and being enhanced to strengthen transportation capacity along strategic economic corridors. Currently, Vietnam has 2,268 km of expressways in operation, with plans to reach 3,000 km by the end of 2025 and 5,000 km by 2050.

According to him, in order to ensure the project meets quality standards, remains on schedule, and avoids waste or malpractice, local authorities in Hue and Da Nang shall stay focused and aggressively accelerate land clearance.

“The progress of site handover is critical to the project’s investment efficiency. Therefore, localities shall aggressively accelerate land clearance and also prioritize resettlement for affected residents as soon as possible,” the Minister stated.

He also urged local governments to expedite procedures for mining construction material permits, designate waste disposal sites, and ensure security and safe traffic flow during the implementation.

Minister Minh called on project investors, consultants, and contractors to uphold the highest responsibility, plan scientifically, and follow technical and legal standards strictly - ensuring progress, quality, safety, and environmental protection while avoiding corruption and inefficiency.

At the ceremony, Chairman of Hue City People's Committee Nguyen Van Phuong affirmed the city's commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Construction and project stakeholders. He pledged swift resolution of issues related to compensation, land clearance, land-use conversion, and material sourcing, etc.

Given that the project passes through Bach Ma National Park, Mr. Phuong asked relevant authorities, contractors, and units have solutions for the strict environmental oversight to protect the ecosystem.

Director of the Ho Chi Minh Road Project Management Board Nguyen Vu Quy, affirmed close cooperation with local authorities in site clearance and project implementation to keep the project on track.

Representing the contractor joint venture, Chairman of Vinaconex’s BOD Nguyen Huu Toi, pledged to ensure quality, safety, and timely completion, stating:

“Contractors will draw on their full experience and capability, working tirelessly around the clock, as directed by the Prime Minister and Minister of Construction.”

The La Son - Hoa Lien expressway, operational since April 2022, currently features two lanes, a 12-meter-wide roadbed, and a design speed of 60–80 km/h, with a total investment of VND 11,485 billion.

It has helped ease congestion on National Highway 1 and strengthened connectivity between Hue, Da Nang, and the central region.

However, the current design—with winding roads, steep slopes, and no median barrier, has raised safety concerns, especially at night.

In response, local governments proposed expanding the expressway to four lanes to meet growing transport demand and enhance safety.

The upgrade is expected to complete a key section of the Eastern North–South Expressway, improving traffic capacity, reducing accidents, and reinforcing regional and national connectivity, as well as defense and security.

Source: baoxaydung.vn