The road connecting National Highway 1A - Nghia Dan - Thai Hoa, which had just opened to traffic, has now been closed.

(Baonghean.vn) - After a few months of being open to traffic, the road connecting National Highway 1A from Hoang Mai town to Nghia Dan and Thai Hoa has had checkpoints set up and heavy vehicles banned at both ends.

This road, approved by the People's Committee of Nghe An province with an investment of 855 billion VND and a total length of 29 km, passes through Hoang Mai town, connecting with Nghia Dan district and Thai Hoa town to merge with National Highway 48.

According to residents living along this road, in the first few days after its opening, the road was very busy. Everyone was excited to have the new road, which facilitates trade and serves the needs of the people.

However, at the moment, traffic is not heavy, and the road remains empty during peak hours. This is because the 36th Corporation of the Ministry of National Defense, the unit constructing the road, has set up checkpoints at both ends, restricting vehicles from passing through, especially those weighing more than 5 tons.

Large trucks are not allowed to pass through the barrier checkpoint in Hoang Mai town. Photo: Quang An

Mr. Tran Xuan Huong, the barrier gatekeeper at Nghia Hoi commune, Nghia Dan district, said: According to the construction plan, this road was to be paved with a 14 cm thick layer of asphalt; however, due to a lack of funds, only a 7 cm thick layer has been laid so far. Although it was opened to traffic in September 2016, the volume of traffic is too high, so the 36 Corporation has set up a barrier gate for more than half a month now to prohibit large trucks from passing through, affecting the quality of the road.

According to our observations, there are two checkpoints for heavy trucks on this road. The first is located at the beginning of the road in Hoang Mai town, with several large concrete pillars blocking the road. The second is located in Nghia Hoi commune, Nghia Dan district. Both checkpoints are guarded day and night by employees of General Corporation 36.

According to Mr. Huong, there are three staff members on duty day and night at this barrier. Motorbikes and passenger cars are allowed to pass, but trucks weighing over 5 tons are absolutely prohibited until the main road is officially completed. "Every day, dozens of heavy-duty trucks come here. Many people ask for our understanding, but to ensure safety on the road, we absolutely refuse to let them pass..." Mr. Huong said.

At the checkpoint in Nghia Hoi commune, Nghia Dan district, drivers of large trucks also have to stop. Photo: Quang An

However, this action has caused many truck drivers, especially those transporting frozen goods, to suffer greatly. Trung, a truck driver specializing in frozen goods, said: "A week ago, I was transporting goods at night. Unaware that the road was closed, I drove on this route as usual. When I arrived, the checkpoint officers absolutely refused to let me through. I was stuck for several hours, and the food on my truck spoiled…"

Many other drivers also expressed frustration, not knowing when they would be allowed to resume driving without any specific announcement.

Most residents on both sides of the road believe that the 36 Corporation's establishment of checkpoints to prohibit large trucks is reasonable, as it helps maintain the road's longevity and reduces damage.

Mr. Nguyen Van Binh, from Tan Thang commune, Quynh Luu district, said: "We just need a wide and safe road, that's enough. Moreover, only large trucks are banned; people using motorbikes like me can still travel normally. Large trucks easily damage the roads and pose a traffic safety hazard…"

The road surface in Nghia Hoi commune has areas that have subsided and developed potholes due to heavy vehicles passing through. Photo: Quang An

In Quynh Vinh commune, Hoang Mai district, residents expressed strong dissatisfaction with the appearance of concrete blocks on a local road in Doi Cua hamlet, Quynh Vinh commune, to prevent vehicles from using the road. However, these concrete blocks were placed by the Quynh Vinh Commune People's Committee to prevent overloaded vehicles from entering the commune's road, and not by General Corporation 36.

Speaking with us, Mr. Nguyen Duc An, Director of the Project Management Board of the Department of Transport, said: The road connecting National Highway 1A - Nghia Dan - Thai Hoa Town (National Highway 48) was officially opened to traffic in September 2016. However, it was only a technical opening; due to a lack of funding, the contractor only laid one layer of asphalt. Since the project has not been officially handed over for use, the construction unit has to restrict overloaded vehicles to ensure the quality of the project.

"Currently, the Department of Transport has submitted a document to the province requesting an additional 200 billion VND to complete the project, but there has been no response yet. Only with the necessary funds can the contractor complete the road construction and put it into operation," the Director of the Project Management Board added.

PV