Yen Bai – Lao Cai: Expressway will be expanded to four lanes!

Yen Bai – Lao Cai: Expressway will be expanded to four lanes!

The Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) has been contracted to expand the Yen Bai – Lao Cai section of the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Expressway. This decision was recently approved by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha. The expansion is seen as a response to increasing demand in transport, as the number of vehicles on this route has increased significantly in recent years. The Ministry of Transport (MoT) reported that the number of vehicles increased by 27 percent in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year.

The expansion includes a change from two to four lanes for the approximately 83 kilometer route. Construction work is scheduled to begin as early as 2025, with expected completion by 2026. The investment project aims to ensure progress, quality and efficiency while minimizing possible negative impacts and waste. VEC is responsible for mobilizing various sources of financing to cover the project's total cost of an estimated VND8.74 trillion (approximately $364 million).

Costs and financing

Of the total estimated cost, about VND5.66 trillion (US$236 million) will go to the expansion itself. The remaining amount will be used to improve the roadway and build three new bridges in the section between Noi Bai and Yen Bai. In addition, the Ministry of Finance is asked to propose state budget funds of approximately VND 1.555 billion for the project in the medium-term public investment plan for 2026-2030. The VEC is tasked with reviewing the specific financial plan and organizing its implementation.

The width of the new roadway will be 24 meters and there will be a speed limit of 100 km/h. These measures are part of the national road development plan, which envisages expanding the expressway to six lanes by 2050.

Current situation and outlook

The current Yen Bai – Lao Cai section is relatively narrow, with two lanes and no median. This arrangement significantly limits traffic capacity. In comparison, the section between Noi Bai and Yen Bai has already been expanded to four lanes. In order to cope with the increasing traffic, the redesign is urgently needed. The VEC will take responsibility for the implementation and management of the project and will work closely with the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Finance and other relevant authorities.

The expansion of the Yen Bai – Lao Cai section is a step towards better transport infrastructure in Vietnam and demonstrates the government's commitment to improving mobility in this significantly trafficked area. The completion of the project will be of great importance for the population and the economy of the region.

How Vietnam.vn reports, the contract with the VEC is a crucial part of the effort to increase the country's transport capacity and stimulate the local economy. Further information about the planned investments and implementation is available VN Economy available.