Hanoi - Vientiane Expressway Project: Proposal to build the Vinh - Thanh Thuy section.

The Project Management Board 85 last week proposed to the Ministry of Transport to approve the pre-feasibility report for the Hanoi - Vientiane Expressway project, specifically the Vinh - Thanh Thuy (Nghe An) section. This project starts at the intersection with the North-South Expressway section from Dien Chau to Bai Vot at the Hung Tay interchange in Hung Nguyen district, Nghe An province; and ends at the Thanh Thuy - Nam On border gate on the Vietnam-Laos border.

Based on projected transportation demand, Project Management Board 85 proposes Phase 1 investment in a complete 4-lane expressway with a roadbed width of 24m in sections with a design speed of 100-120 km/h; and 22m in sections with difficult terrain and a design speed of 60-80 km/h. Bridges along the route will also be completed with 4 lanes. Investment preparation will take place from 2024 to 2025, and implementation from 2026 to 2029.

According to the Road Network Planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, the Vinh City - Thanh Thuy section will have 6 complete express lanes, with a design speed of 100-120 km/h, and a speed of 60-80 km/h in sections with difficult terrain.

The Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway is a prerequisite for forming a development axis within the East-West Economic Corridor, connecting countries in the Mekong River region, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean, shortening travel distances and times compared to sea routes. This will be a vital transportation artery promoting linkages and supporting socio-economic development in both countries and the region.

Currently, the North-South expressway section from Hanoi to Nghe An has been completed, creating favorable conditions for research on the Hanoi-Vientiane expressway.