On March 1, at O Quy Ho Pass (also known as Hoang Lien Pass), through Sa Pa town, according to the reporter of Lao Dong Newspaper, traffic activities here were bustling with a series of motorbikes, cars, tractor-trailers... moving from Lai Chau to Lao Cai and vice versa.
Known as the first pass in the Northwest, O Quy Ho is 50 km long, runs along National Highway 4D and is located at an altitude of more than 2,000 m above sea level.
Not only does it bring the majesty of nature's creation, but according to practical observations, this is also one of the most dangerous mountain passes with many sharp turns, high slopes, and frequent fog.
According to people living along O Quy Ho Pass, National Highway 4D is one of the main roads connecting Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces, so the number of vehicles passing through every day is extremely large.
Mr. Phan Van Hai (O Quy Ho ward, Sa Pa) said that O Quy Ho pass is often fogged, with many sharp turns, so accidents often occur. This makes people's travel more difficult and dangerous.
"We have heard of this road tunnel project for several years. But until now, it is not known what the cause is, so it has not been able to be implemented. Everyone hopes that the project will be implemented soon to shorten the distance and travel time, helping to promote trade, added Mr. Phan Van Hai.
Mr. Chu Van Tuan (driver on Lai Chau - My Dinh route) also shared: "Driving a car when going down a steep pass, on the road, there are many curves, very dangerous. On rainy days or fogged days, we often have to stick to the road and drive slowly to ensure safety, so travel time is extended.
Hearing the news of an upcoming road tunnel to help move through the pass faster, shorter and safer is also a great look forward to it. Hopefully the project will be implemented soon".
Information from the Lai Chau Province Traffic Construction Investment Project Management Board, the road tunnel project on National Highway 4D has a starting point in Son Binh Commune (Tam Duong, Lai Chau), ending point in O Quy Ho Ward (Sa Pa, Lao Cai). The length of the route is about 8.8 km, of which the main tunnel is 2.63 km long, the secondary tunnel is 2.65 km long, the approach road and bridge are 6.2 km long.
The project has a total investment of VND 3,300 billion, of which construction cost is VND 2,229 billion and equipment cost is VND 258.7 billion. The estimated investment capital is from the central budget of VND2,500 billion and the Lai Chau provincial budget of VND710 billion, other capital is VND90 billion. The implementation period is from now until 2027.
According to Lai Chau Provincial People's Committee, the O Quy Ho Pass road tunnel project, when completed, will help vehicles avoid 22 km of the pass on National Highway 4D, shortening travel time from 52 minutes for cars and about 120 minutes for trucks and container trucks, down to 11 minutes if passing through the tunnel.
When completed, the project will improve the quality of the main traffic infrastructure between Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces, creating momentum for socio-economic development, ensuring national security and defense in Lai Chau province and the Northwest region.
