HÀ NỘI — The Cao Bồ-Mai Sơn section, one of the 11 component projects of the eastern North-South expressway project, was approved to expand from four to six lanes.

This 15.2 kilometre section will require a total investment of VNĐ1.87 trillion (US$73.9 million), with VNĐ1.2 trillion allocated from 2021 to 2025 and VNĐ675 billion from 2026 to 2030.

The expansion begins at the junction with the Cầu Giẽ-Ninh Bình expressway in Ý Yên District, Nam Đinh Province, and ends at the Mai Sơn-National Highway 45 section in Yên Mỗ District, Ninh Bình Province.

Designed for speeds of 100-120km per hour, the project will add two lanes to the existing road, increasing the total width to 32.25 metres while maintaining the current alignment.

An intelligent transportation system will be installed, adhering to current technical standards and regulations.

The Ministry of Transport said that this expansion will enhance traffic capacity, meet increasing transportation demands, reduce accidents, and support the economic and social development of Nam Định and Ninh Bình provinces. It also aligns with the national road network plan for 2021-2030 and the vision for 2050, supporting the goals of economic and social development, and ensuring national defence and security in the Red River Delta region.

The Cao Bồ-Mai Sơn Expressway was initially built with four lanes and opened to traffic in 2022.

In August 2023, the Ninh Bình Province's Department of Transport proposed the expansion due to frequent congestion, particularly during holidays. — VNS