Unleashing the Future: Expanding the Eastern Section of Vietnam's North-South Expressway
Proposed Improvements on North-South Expressway's Segments to Handle Increased Traffic Flows
Vietnam's eastern section of the North-South Expressway is set for a major transformation, aiming to accommodate rising traffic demands and meet national development goals. Let's delve into the details of the proposed expansion plan:
On the Horizon: Key Segments for Enhancement
The eastern portion of the North-South Expressway, stretching from Hữu Nghị Border Gate in Lạng Sơn Province to Cà Mau, boasts a total length of approximately 2,063 kilometers. As of now, about 1,206 kilometers are operational, with 834 kilometers under construction[1].
Proposals for expansion have been put forth for several high-demand sections to improve traffic efficiency. These segments, when upgraded from the existing limited four-lane model with intermittent hard shoulders, will provide a smoother driving experience:
- High-demand Segments: 18 component projects, including Mai Sơn-National Highway 45, National Highway 45-Nghi Sơn, Nghi Sơn-Diễn Châu, and more, have been proposed for expansion[1].
The Price of Progress: Estimated Investments
The planned upgrades for the limited four-lane sections will undoubtedly come at a cost. Estimates suggest that expanding these sections to a full four-lane design might require approximately VNĐ86.1 trillion (US$3.3 billion)[1]. However, this surpasses the initially allocated budget by about VNĐ55 trillion (US$2.1 billion), posing a significant financing challenge which requires careful planning and alternative strategies.
Looking Ahead: National Goals and Progress
Vietnam's vision is to develop 3,000 kilometers of expressways by 2025, with the Eastern North-South Expressway being a key part of this national ambition[5]. Recent reports indicate positive progress, with several component projects progressing according to schedule, with multiple sections expected to open to traffic by the end of September 2025[5].
Ongoing construction at the Vũng Áng-Bùng segment of the North-South Expressway. - VNA/VNS Photo Quốc Khánh
These initiatives underscore Vietnam's commitment to enhancing its expressway network, addressing both current needs and future traffic demands. The Eastern North-South Expressway expansion is a testament to this forward-thinking approach.
[1] Vietnam News, 2022.[5] Vietnam News, 2022.
- The government's focus on expanding the Eastern Section of Vietnam's North-South Expressway is a key part of its national development goals, aiming to accommodate rising traffic demands.
- The proposed plan involves enhancing several high-demand segments of the expressway, such as the Mai Sơn-National Highway 45, National Highway 45-Nghi Sơn, and Nghi Sơn-Diễn Châu, to improve traffic efficiency.
- The expansion of the limited four-lane sections to a full four-lane design might require an estimated investment of VNĐ86.1 trillion (approximately US$3.3 billion), though this surpasses the initially allocated budget by about VNĐ55 trillion (US$2.1 billion).
- The finance industry and transportation industry are closely watching the progress of these upgrades, as they are essential for meeting Vietnam's vision of developing 3,000 kilometers of expressways by 2025.
- Recent reports indicate that several component projects are progressing according to schedule, with multiple sections expected to open to traffic by the end of September 2025.
- The government's efforts to upgrade Vietnam's expressway network highlight its commitment to AI-driven policy making, as the updates will provide a smoother driving experience for millions of people in the politics of transportation finance.
