The Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway project, specifically the 65-km section from Vinh to Thanh Thuy (Nghe An Province), is proposed to be constructed with a total investment of VND18.5 trillion (US$772 million).

The map of the Hanoi-Vientiane expressway. Source: Ministry of Transport.

This proposal was submitted by Project Management Unit 85 to the Ministry of Transport for approval of the pre-feasibility study report for the Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway, specifically focusing on the Vinh-Thanh Thuy section in Nghe An.

The project starts at the intersection with the North-South Expressway's Dien Chau - Bai Vot section at the Hung Tay interchange in Hung Nguyen District, Nghe An Province, and ends at the Thanh Thuy - Nam On border gate, along the Vietnam-Laos border.

Based on the projected traffic demand, Project Management Unit 85 proposes to construct in the first phase a four-lane expressway with a design speed of 100-120 km/h for the section with a 24-meter wide roadbed and 60-80 km/h for the section with a 22-meter wide roadbed. All bridges along the route will be designed for four lanes. Preparatory work is planned for 2024-2025, with construction expected from 2026 to 2029.

According to the Road Network Plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, the Vinh-Thanh Thuy section will have a fully developed six-lane expressway, with speeds of 100-120 km/h in flat areas and 60-80 km/h in challenging terrain.

The Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway is a key project in the development of the East-West Economic Corridor, linking the countries in the Mekong region with the Indian and Pacific Oceans, reducing distance and travel time compared to sea routes. This will be a crucial transportation artery, promoting economic and social development for both countries and the region.

Currently, the North-South Expressway segment from Hanoi to Nghe An has been completed, which is conducive to the study of the Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway.