Overloaded after more than 10 years of exploitation
The Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway Project (phase 1) with a length of nearly 245 km, invested by Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC), has been completed and put into operation since 2014.
Of which, the Noi Bai - Yen Bai section is designed with 4 lanes, speed of 100 km/h; the Yen Bai - Lao Cai section has only 2 lanes, speed of 80 km/h.
This expressway has created a breakthrough for the transportation industry, shortening travel time from Hanoi to Lao Cai international border gate to 3.5 hours instead of 7 hours as before.
However, after more than 10 years of operation, the traffic volume on the route has increased by an average of 10%/year, causing the Yen Bai - Lao Cai section with a scale of 2 lanes to gradually overload.
Mr. Nguyen Van Thang - a container driver who regularly transportes goods from Lao Cai to Hanoi = shared: "The section from Yen Bai to Lao Cai is quite narrow, with many curved and steep roads, so when two large vehicles avoid each other, it is very dangerous. We hope the expansion project will be implemented soon for more convenient and safer traffic".
In response to urgent needs, the project to expand the Yen Bai - Lao Cai section with a length of 121 km, upgrading from 2 lanes to 4 lanes has officially started construction, with a total investment of more than VND 7,668 billion, expected to be completed in 2026.
Mr. Truong Viet Dong - Chairman of the Board of Members of VEC - said: After 11 years of operation, the route has created a breakthrough in transport infrastructure, shortening the time for Hanoi - Lao Cai, strongly promoting import-export, trade, services and tourism activities in the Northwest region.
However, with the average traffic volume increasing by 10%/year, especially on the Yen Bai - Lao Cai section, there are only 2 lanes, many times there are congestion, posing a potential risk to traffic safety.
Therefore, the expansion of this section is an urgent requirement, synchronous with the scale of the entire route.
Early completion to promote the development of the Northwest region
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on October 1, Mr. Tran Huy Tuan - Chairman of Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee - emphasized that the expansion of the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway is not only important for Lao Cai province but also for the Northwest region. The province is committed to focusing on directing and creating the best conditions for site clearance, security and order, and providing materials for the project to be implemented smoothly.
Deputy Minister of Finance Do Thanh Trung highly appreciated the efforts of VEC and related units in urgently completing procedures and promptly starting the project.
Mr. Do Thanh Trung suggested that contractors focus resources, construct on schedule, ensure quality and labor safety, and meet the expectations of the people and the Government.
Ms. Pham Thi Hanh - a resident of Sa Pa - expressed: "The number of tourists coming to Sa Pa is increasing, but many people complain that the road from Yen Bai to Lao Cai is too cramped, taking time. If the expressway is expanded to 4 lanes, tourists will certainly have more advantages, creating more opportunities for local service businesses".
Mr. Le Van Huy - a driver on the Lao Cai - Hanoi route - also shared: "On peak holidays, there are many vehicles, and traveling in the 2-lane section is often congested. If we upgrade to 4 lanes, we will save time and make it safer for passengers."
According to the assessment of the functional sector, when completed, the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway will truly promote its vital role, connecting the economic corridor of Con Minh - Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong, contributing to promoting trade and import and export of goods through international border gates in Lao Cai, while strongly developing tourism in the Northwestern provinces.
