Over 41,000 Billion VND Allocated for Upgrading National Highways and Constructing East-West Expressway in Đắk Lắk Province

Deputy Chairman of the Dak Lak Provincial People’s Committee, Truong Cong Thai, announced that the province is proposing an investment of over VND 41 trillion to upgrade National Highway 29 and construct the East-West Expressway. This initiative aims to enhance strategic inter-regional connectivity following the province’s consolidation.

Specifically, National Highway 29, connecting Phu Yen to the administrative center of Dak Lak, has been included in the medium-term public investment plan for 2026-2030, with an estimated total investment of approximately VND 11 trillion. If approved, construction is slated to begin in 2026. The highway is expected to become a vital transportation artery, completing the “forest-sea” connectivity system in the Central Highlands and South Central Coast regions.

In parallel, Dak Lak is also advancing the East-West Expressway Project, Phase 1 (from the North-South Expressway East to National Highway 14 – Ho Chi Minh Road), spanning approximately 122 km. The expressway will feature a 4-lane design with a roadbed width of 17.5 meters. It is planned to be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with a total investment exceeding VND 30 trillion.

The Dak Lak Provincial People’s Committee has developed three financial plans for the East-West Expressway Project. After evaluating investment efficiency and resource mobilization, the Provincial Party Committee has agreed on a plan where the state will cover 60% of the capital, and investors will contribute 40%.

Currently, the Provincial People’s Committee is finalizing the project dossier and reports for submission to relevant ministries and the Prime Minister for approval. Upon approval, the province will collaborate with investors to proceed with subsequent procedures.

Previously, Tien Phong reported that National Highway 29 was upgraded from former provincial and district roads of Phu Yen and Dak Lak (before consolidation), as per decisions by the Ministry of Transport in 2011, 2014, and 2015. This route plays a critical role in the region’s transportation development strategy, serving as a key link between the North-South Expressway and national transport corridors.

However, National Highway 29 currently fails to meet the growing transportation demands, particularly after the provincial consolidation. Apart from the completed section from Km186+126 to Km226+000, most segments have narrow roads, weak technical structures, and degraded conditions, primarily due to damaged asphalt surfaces. This significantly impacts traffic flow and road safety.

The volume of vehicles, especially from the eastern region (former Phu Yen) to the new administrative center of Dak Lak, is rapidly increasing. Upgrading National Highway 29 and investing in the East-West Expressway are anticipated to revolutionize transportation infrastructure, fostering socio-economic development, ensuring national defense and security, and attracting investment across the region.