Lam Dong Considers Full-Scale Investment in Two Key Expressways

The meeting was chaired by Vice Chairman Nguyen Hong Hai and attended by representatives of provincial departments, agencies, project management units, and investors.

According to Project Management Unit No. 1, revision dossiers for both projects have largely been completed following consultations with government agencies and project companies. Both proposals recommend constructing the expressways at their full planned capacity from the outset instead of implementing them in phases as previously approved.

Bao Loc–Lien Khuong Expressway to Be Expanded

For the Bao Loc–Lien Khuong project, the project company proposes widening the roadbed from 17 meters to 24.75 meters to meet four-lane expressway standards, with a design speed of 100 km/h and continuous emergency stopping lanes along the entire route.

The proposal also includes widening all bridges to match the final design, upgrading the pavement with a high-friction asphalt surface, constructing the Gia Hiep interchange during the initial phase instead of a later stage, and adding an overpass at Km196+170, together with drainage, underpasses, and traffic safety facilities.

Due to the expanded scope, the project is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2028 instead of late 2027. The preliminary investment is estimated at approximately VND 18.04 trillion, excluding loan interest, an increase of more than VND 3.1 trillion over the previous plan.

The project company submitted three financing options, with the preferred plan maintaining the investor's capital contribution under the signed agreement while increasing state budget support to ensure financial viability.

Tan Phu–Bao Loc Expressway Also Proposed for Full Build-Out

For the Tan Phu–Bao Loc expressway, the investor proposes expanding the roadbed from 17 meters to 22 meters while maintaining four traffic lanes and replacing intermittent emergency stopping bays with continuous emergency stopping lanes.

The revised design also upgrades the pavement to new technical standards with a skid-resistant asphalt layer, widens all 16 bridges, and completes drainage systems, traffic safety facilities, underpasses, and operational infrastructure.

According to Project Management Unit No. 1, the project company has substantially completed the engineering design, investment estimate, and financial plan while continuing to review land clearance costs due to additional expenses associated with relocating several cemeteries in Da Teh 2 Commune.

The revised preliminary investment is estimated at approximately VND 16.49 trillion, excluding loan interest. The investor proposed two financing options, with the preferred option retaining the BOT investment structure while adding around VND 1.223 trillion in state funding for the expanded works.

During the meeting, Vice Chairman Nguyen Hong Hai and representatives of provincial departments discussed the proposed investment plans. Investors also explained financing arrangements and the application of updated technical standards to improve operational safety.

Province Supports Full-Scale Construction

Concluding the meeting, Vice Chairman Nguyen Hong Hai endorsed the direction of completing both expressways at their full design capacity rather than in phases, saying the adjustment would improve operational efficiency, enhance traffic safety, and better meet the province's long-term infrastructure needs.

He instructed Project Management Unit No. 1 to work closely with the Department of Construction and relevant agencies to finalize the revised investment dossiers, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and technical and financial feasibility before submitting them to competent authorities.

The investors were also requested to complete all required documentation in accordance with current regulations to ensure both projects proceed on schedule and help establish a strategic expressway corridor linking Lam Dong with the Southeast Region and the Central Highlands, creating new momentum for the province's socio-economic development.