Investing a total capital of 5,200 billion, Rach Mieu Bridge 2 crosses Tien River, connecting Tien Giang with Ben Tre. The project commenced in March 2022 and is expected to be completed after 3 years – Photo: VNE
In response to the recommendation of National Assembly delegate Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi, the Ben Tre Provincial People’s Council on investment in upgrading and expanding the national highway in the province, the Ministry of Transport stated that during the period 2021 – 2025, the financial resources allocated by the National Assembly and the Government to the Ministry of Transport are limited and need to be prioritized for dynamic and important national projects such as the East-West North-South Highway Project, completing projects that are delayed in schedule, paying debts for advance capital, and paying debts for BT projects.
Upgrading QL57, building Rach Mieu Bridge 2
Regarding the need for investment in transportation infrastructure in Ben Tre province, the Ministry of Transport has prioritized allocating 2,425 billion to invest in 2 projects: The project of renovating and upgrading QL57 section from Dinh Khao ferry terminal to Mo Cay town, Ben Tre and Vinh Long provinces and The project of constructing Rach Mieu Bridge 2 connecting Tien Giang province and Ben Tre province.
Due to difficulties in balancing the financial resources as mentioned above, it is not yet possible to allocate capital to carry out the investment in upgrading and renovating QL57 section from Mo Cay town to Kau Bang, QL57B, QL57C.
In order to unify the necessity of researching and formulating projects for upgrading, expanding the road network to meet the transportation needs, and the economic development of Ben Tre province, the Minitry of Transport said it will direct relevant agencies to urgently review related issues in order to construct them in the mid-term public investment portfolio in the period of 2026 – 2030 according to the prescribed procedures under the law on public investment.
Continue reviewing to supplement essential projects for Ben Tre
During the period of non-upgrade, the Ministry of Transport will instruct the Vietnam Road Administration to request the maintenance units to enhance responsibility, strengthen inspection and maintenance of the road network to ensure convenience for people and businesses when participating in traffic.
With regard to the recommendation of repairing QL57 and QL57B in the period of 2024 – 2025, the Ministry of Transport said that in recent years, using funding from the road economic activity career fund, the Ministry of Transport has arranged funds to carry out regular maintenance work and periodic repair.
The Ministry of Transport has directed the Department of Transport of Ben Tre to repair 4 works on QL57 with approximately 33.2 billion; 2023 repairs 1 work with approximately 14.7 billion; 2024 allowed to prepare investment for 1 work with approximately 31.4 billion.
For QL.57B: 2022 repairs 2 works with approximately 43.2 billion; 2023 repairs 3 works with approximately 53.5 billion; 2024 allowed to prepare investment for 3 works with approximately 26.4 billion.
