From a very serious traffic accident that occurred on the morning of February 18 on the Cam Lo – La Son highway, two urgent issues arise: traffic organization and lane standards for highways.
In a discussion with Tien Phong , Mr. Vu Tien Loc, member of the Economic Commission of the National Assembly – Chairman of the Vietnam International Arbitration Center (VIAC), said that from the traffic accident on the Cam Lo – La Son highway, one can see the current situation of highways in the context of Vietnam’s difficult economy. That is why investment must be phased, but the investment scale of certain sections of the 2-lane highway always contains the risk of traffic accidents.
The scene of the horrific accident on the morning of February 18 claimed the lives of 3 mothers and children. Photo: VT
Sharing the same concerns, Deputy Nguyen Thi Suu of the Thua Thien Hue Provincial Delegation sees that for expressways, everyone hopes to have a speed that meets requirements, ensuring smooth and safe traffic flow. However, the deputy expressed concern every time traffic flows because the expressway does not have a median barrier, necessary sign system, and a very distant stopping point.
“We are very hesitant to use this expressway, but in reality, there is no other choice when going to provinces like Quang Tri, Quang Binh, Nghe An, Ha Tinh…,” said the Hue Delegation deputy.
According to Mr. Vu Tien Loc, previously, the only route from the North to the South was National Highway 1, and now there are additional north-south expressways put into operation, showing that the transportation sector’s achievements are huge. However, if accidents continue to occur, public opinion will increasingly view it negatively and may even deny the transportation sector’s achievements.
Mr. Vu Tien Loc, member of the Economic Commission of the National Assembly
Meanwhile, Deputy Nguyen Thi Suu believes that expressway issues have been discussed extensively at the National Assembly forum. “I appreciate the efforts, determination, and leadership and guidance of the Ministry of Transport in general and Minister Nguyen Van Thang in particular. The Minister’s report on the questions of the National Assembly is also seen as very responsible. However, I wish that the Minister will be more determined and concerned, especially with those common accident-prone areas,” Ms. Suu said.
As a deputy specializing in Thua Thien Hue province, in the short term, elected deputies hope that the authorities will promptly add necessary traffic signs on the route. In the long term, in a few years, it is necessary to study expanding the expressway section through Thua Thien Hue and Quang Tri.
According to Mr. Vu Tien Loc, for the highway system, it is necessary to research the investment plan to complete 4 or 8 lanes depending on the traffic volume and the conditions of the area traversed.
“If we can’t ensure the budget and complete the entire investment scale, we need to focus on building emergency stopping lanes, resting points for road users, avoiding drivers overexerting themselves and minimizing traffic accidents,” Mr. Loc said.
Mr. Loc also stated that no one wants to create a bottleneck on stretches of road like Cam Lo – La Son, but due to the limited budget, investment is only in phases, so in the immediate future, there needs to be a propaganda, education, and warning plan to raise awareness of road users for safety.
Deputy of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Suu (Vice-Chairman of Thua Thien Hue Provincial Delegation)
Deputy of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Suu also hopes that after the inspection, the Ministry of Transport will provide reports and conclusions to the Government and authorized levels on resources to propose appropriate solutions, and report to the National Assembly first.
“Investing in expressways requires very large resources, so there needs to be a very careful assessment and analysis of investment budget issues. Expressways must meet a minimum standard of 4 lanes. We have no other choice but to invest in highways that truly match, the right techniques, the design to ensure safety,” Ms. Suu said.
According to the deputy, this not only ensures economic development for the people, businesses, society, and the country but also ensures the safety of human life participating in traffic, so people can travel reassuredly on the route.
“As a deputy of the National Assembly responsible for the locality, after many written and direct suggestions, we all hope that the ministries and industries, especially the transportation sector, will survey and promptly evaluate, thereby proposing solutions and submitting to the Government and the National Assembly in order to overcome the shortcomings not only on this route but also on other related routes,” Nguyen Thi Suu said.
