Ha Long-Hai Phong expressway open to traffic

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (middle) cuts the ribbon to inaugurate the expressway (Source: VNA)

This is the first expressway nationwide the PM has assigned localities to implement, using the provincial budget and capital mobilised from the public-private partnership (PPP) model. 

Built at a cost of over 13.6 trillion VND (581 million USD), the 25.2 km long expressway connects Highway 18 in Dai Yen ward of northeastern Quang Ninh province’s Ha Long city with the Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway in Hai An district of the northern port city of Hai Phong. 

The Ha Long-Hai Phong Expressway is expected to create breakthroughs in socio-economic development of the economic triangle covering Hanoi, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh. 

It will cut the distance between Hanoi and Ha Long from 180km to 130km, and the Ha Long-Hai Phong route from 75km to 25km. 

Addressing the ceremony, PM Phuc stressed that infrastructure development is the Government’s important priority in order to ensure rapid and dynamic economic development in tandem with sustainability goals. 

The project is expected to carry forward values of the Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway, while promoting regional connectivity, opening up more opportunities and spaces for economic development, he said. 

The project has proven Vietnam’s ability in road and bridge construction as it was invested and designed by the country, using cutting-edge technologies, the leader noted. 

Following the ceremony, vehicles were allowed to drive on the expressway with the maximum speed of 80km per hour./.

VNA