The project to expand the Yen Bai - Lao Cai section of the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway has a length of more than 121km, being upgraded from 2 to 4 lanes with a total investment of nearly 7,700 billion VND.
Currently, the entire route is becoming a "large construction site" with a series of construction teams deploying simultaneously day and night to meet the basic completion schedule in 2026.
However, unlike many other traffic projects, this expressway is still having to be maintained for operation in parallel with construction. This increases the risk of traffic unsafety, especially in narrow sections, lane transition areas or where machinery operates.
Reality records show that lane encroachment, reckless overtaking, and non-compliance with regulations still occur, posing a risk of accidents.
In the first quarter of 2026 alone, more than 30 collisions occurred on the entire route. Many cases of cars, trucks, and passenger cars colliding with corrugated iron barriers or head-on collisions due to encroaching on lanes on road sections without hard medians, causing damage to people and property.
Most recently, on the morning of April 20, a serious traffic accident occurred at km 207, passing through Bao Ha commune (Lao Cai province), killing one person on the spot.
Especially during the peak period of April 30 - May 1, the large volume of vehicles also increases the risk of traffic collisions and localized congestion.
Faced with existing risks, functional agencies and investors are simultaneously implementing many solutions to ensure safety at the highest level.
Accordingly, the system of signs, barriers, and traffic diversion at construction sites is strengthened. In parallel, construction units are also required to strictly comply with safety procedures, minimizing impacts on traffic flow.
In addition, traffic organization adjustment, lane separation, and speed control are also piloted to limit vehicle flow conflicts, especially in sections with high vehicle density.
Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper, the Commander of Highway Traffic Police Team No. 1 (Department 6 - Traffic Police Department) said that from the beginning of the year to now, during patrols and inspections, the unit has discovered and fined many contractors for violating regulations on construction and maintenance of works within the land area for roads on the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway.
According to the Traffic Police Department, both construction and operation is a "difficult problem" but unavoidable, due to the very large traffic demand on the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway.
Therefore, besides the efforts of investors and contractors, the awareness of traffic law compliance of vehicle operators is a key factor to minimize risks.
Functional forces recommend that vehicle drivers strictly comply with the allowed speed, carefully observe vehicles in front, maintain a safe distance and absolutely do not encroach on the lane when moving through this area.
In case the vehicle encounters problems, the driver needs to quickly move the vehicle into the emergency stop lane, turn on the danger warning light and place a warning object behind the vehicle at a distance of at least 150m. At the same time, you can contact the phone number 1900. 8099 for support.
