In early October, along National Highway 279 through the communes of the old Van Ban district, the sound of excavators, road rollers, and trucks reappeared regularly.
The ground is still subject to a little rain, dozens of workers are working overtime, leveling, pouring concrete, and rushing to restore the progress that was interrupted after the recent storm.
Previously, the circulation of storm No. 10 caused prolonged heavy rain, causing many sections of the route to be eroded and severely damaged.
Units must temporarily suspend construction to ensure safety. When the weather is calm, the construction site is immediately restarted in the spirit of "taking advantage of the sun every day".
On October 11, speaking with Lao Dong, Mr. Le Van Quan - an officer of Project Management Board 2 (Ministry of Construction) said that this is one of the routes with complex terrain, passing through many slopes, weak slopes, and prone to landslides.
"After the storm, we mobilized more human resources and equipment to clear the landslides to ensure smooth traffic without congestion. At the same time, we urge contractors to work simultaneously, take advantage of sunny days, and even work overtime to make up for the progress, Mr. Le Van Quan added.
The National Highway 279 upgrade project is a key project, of strategic significance in connecting traffic in the Northwest region with the Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway, thereby connecting with the northern mountainous provinces and international border gates.
The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank and the Australian Government, including 2 connecting routes, with a total length of about 200 km, with an investment capital of more than VND6,000 billion.
In Van Ban district alone (Lao Cai province), the project has about 60 km passing through, mainly on National Highway 279.
After completion, the route will contribute to the development of tourism, trade of goods and improve transportation capacity in the Northwest region.
Standing on the side of the road under construction, Mr. Pham Van Thinh, a resident of Van Ban commune, said: "This road often has landslides during floods, which is extremely dangerous for people and vehicles passing through. Recently, a pickup truck carrying 3 people was crushed under a layer of rock and soil, killing 2 people, but now the remaining person has not been found. Therefore, everyone hopes the road will be completed soon to make travel safer".
According to Project Management Board 2 (Ministry of Construction), up to now, the progress of the entire route has reached over 70% of the volume, striving to basically complete before December 31, 2025, and open to traffic before the Lunar New Year.
At this time, the investor is urging the contractor to increase construction, mobilize more human resources and vehicles, and at the same time ensure absolute safety for people and vehicles during the implementation process.
At the construction site, the days of the sun covering the road are taking shape. The loud noise of the car was in constant session.
That image is a signal that the beautiful road is gradually becoming a reality, expected to open up new development opportunities for the Northwest region.
