$852 mln proposed for a new expressway in northwest mountainous region

The Ministry of Construction has submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister for recommendation of Son La province as the lead agency for a pre-feasibility study of the Moc Chau – Son La Expressway project.

With a preliminary estimated investment capital of over VND22.26 trillion (nearly $852 million), the projected expressway is envisioned as a vital "transport artery through the mountains" that is expected to create a major economic boost for the northwest mountainous region of the country.

The proposed 105-km route would feature four lanes, two emergency stopping lanes, and a design speed of 80 km/h. Its starting point would connect to the existing Hoa Binh – Moc Chau Expressway, with the endpoint intersecting National Highway 4G in the former city of Son La.

According to the recommendation from the ministry,  the projected expressway will be included in the mid-term public investment plan for 2026-2030, with investment capital entirely sourcing from the central budget.

According to a representative from the ministry, the projected Moc Chau - Son La expressway is part of the larger CT.03 Expressway (Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Son La – Dien Bien), a backbone route connecting the Northwest mountainous region with Hanoi capital, and expanding an economic cooperation corridor with neighboring Laos.

While significant portions of the 450-km CT.03 route are already completed or under construction, the 105-km Moc Chau – Son La section remains a critical "missing link" with no concrete project currently in place.