Work on final sub-project for eastern wing of North-South Expressway kicks off

Construction of the Huu Nghi-Chi Lang Expressway, the final sub-project for the eastern wing of the giant North-South Expressway project, commenced on Sunday in the northern border province of Lang Son.

The Huu Nghi-Chi Lang Expressway is being built under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model with a total investment of VND11 trillion ($433 million). Running through Chi Lang, Cao Loc and Van Lang districts and Lang Son town, the 60km road is expected to be completed in 2026.

The route includes the 43km, four-lane Huu Nghi-Chi Lang section, and a 17km, two-lane section connecting to the Tan Thanh-Coc Nam border gate.

The sub-project is being constructed by a consortium of Deo Ca Group, 568 Construction JSC, and Lizen JSC.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed the importance of the sub-project, saying once completed, it will help drive traffic and economic connectivity between Vietnam and China, and between ASEAN and China.

It will link the Red River Delta region and the northern mountainous region, connecting Hanoi, Lang Son and Cao Bang, and Cao Bang, Lang Son and Quang Ninh and opening up new development space, especially for Cao Bang and Lang Son provinces.

The eastern wing of the North-South Expressway runs from Lang Son to the southernmost province of Ca Mau, traversing 32 localities and three key economic zones.

The PM asked the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Transport and other ministries and agencies to continue their close coordination with Lang Son to ensure progress, quality, safety, and efficiency for the sub-project.

Lang Son needs to work closely with investors during the construction, and provide support for residents in the project area, the leader said.