The National Road 51 construction and extension project kicks off

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai and the leadership of ministries and sectors attend the ground-breaking ceremony

    The National Road 51 extension project is carried out by a group of investors including Vietnam Urban and Industrial Zone Development Investment Corporation (IDICO), Song Da Corporation and Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam. The Bien Hoa - Vung Tau Expressway Development JSC (BVEC) is a representative for the above investors and is accepted as a negotiator for a BOT contract for the project by the Ministry of Transport. The Road goes along the existing National Road 51. However, the road section going through Long Thanh town runs to the left of the existing road and has a designed speed of 80 kilometers an hour. The road cross section is 32.9 meters wide, including six lanes for mechanical vehicles and two joint lanes, a central reservation, safety islands and right-of-ways. The road has an asphalt concrete surface and is built on a macadam foundation to ensure a surface intensity (Eyc> 160 MPa). Throughout the project, 16 existing bridges will be upgraded and expanded and 13 new bridges will be built. The project has a total investment of VND3.2 trillion and construction duration of 30 months. The project start-up plays a significant role. After completion, it will contribute to promoting the socio-economic development in the Southern key economic region, reducing traffic accidents and improving local residents’ living environment.

Deputy Prime Minister makes a speech at the ceremony

    Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister – Hoang Trung Hai stressed that National Road 51 was a main traffic route but was built later than expected. Hai said that the demand for infrastructure, especially for the traffic system for economic development is growing rapidly and there has been an occurrence of severe traffic congestion at regional traffic intersections and sea ports. Hai proposed that contractors cooperate closely with the authorities of related provinces to ensure the progress of the project and to avoid delays. Hai noted that the problems of compensation and site clearance need paying attention to. He added that many measures should be taken to put small projects into operation at the same time and to ensure a completion of the project in 30 months’ time, which will be able to meet the demand for the development of the southern key economic region in the coming time.

(Reported by PV., Translated by Duy Minh)