By Ashley Karen
A new road tunnel project has been scheduled for Vietnam and will substitute a section of National Highway 4D. The new tunnel will deliver a better connection between Lai Chau Province and Lao Cai Province in Northern Vietnam, close to the border with China.
The tunnel construction will provide a faster and safer alternative route to the current Hoang Lien Pass (also known as the O Quy Ho Pass). The existing 22km tunnel is at an altitude of 2,000m and can be challenging in winter. The new tunnel construction will increase safety for drivers and also cut the travel time from two hours to only 11 minutes.
The new tunnel will provide an essential connection for the Hoang Lien National Park, assisting with enhancing tourism to the area. As reported, Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport will manage the project.
At the same time, a proposal has been made for a new 58km expressway connecting Soc Trang Province, Bac Lieu Province, and Hau Giang Province.
The work has an evaluated price tag of $958 million, and if the green light is given, it will be in operation by 2030. Construction of the expressway will boost connectivity for the Mekong Delta area.
