Massive Road Expansion Plan Unveils in Da Nang, Hue, and Quang Tri

Da Nang City, Hue City, and Quang Tri Province are three key localities situated along the East-West Economic Corridor—an international route connecting Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Numerous strategic transportation projects are underway in these areas to link the coastal regions with the Central Highlands, opening new avenues for development through border gates and seaports.

Strengthening Regional Connectivity

Following its merger with Quang Nam Province, Da Nang City faces both significant growth opportunities and infrastructure challenges. While the former Da Nang area boasts a well-developed transportation network, the newly integrated western region, characterized by complex mountainous terrain, still struggles with accessibility.

To address these issues, Da Nang is implementing backbone transportation axes connecting the East and West, expanding the transport corridor from the Laos border to seaports. This initiative aims to foster economic development and international trade.

Currently, Da Nang is accelerating the Central Region Connectivity Project along National Highway (NH) 40B—a vital 147.4 km route stretching from Tam Thanh Beach to the border of Kon Tum Province.

Within the East-West Economic Corridor, several key national highways are receiving investment. NH14D, with a total investment of over VND 4.5 trillion, has been approved by the Prime Minister and is set to commence construction by late 2025. Meanwhile, NH14B is being upgraded to a six-lane highway (in the former Da Nang area), with further investment proposals for the remaining sections through former Quang Nam Province.

In the draft Political Report of the 22nd Da Nang Party Committee for the 1st Congress of the 2025-2030 term, Da Nang prioritizes completing and upgrading critical road networks. These will connect the East-West regions, linking Da Nang’s center with Quang Nam’s districts and towns, particularly in mountainous areas.

These improvements will reduce travel times, facilitate agricultural trade, and boost eco-tourism. Da Nang also plans to propose investments in the Da Nang – Thanh My – Ngoc Hoi – Bo Y Expressway and expand the North-South Eastern Expressway’s La Son – Hoa Lien section. Additionally, Da Nang is advancing urban rail projects (LRT and MRT) to connect the city center with Hoi An Dong, Quang Phu, and Chu Lai.

By focusing on these strategic transportation axes, Da Nang aims to enhance East-West connectivity, leverage its international trade gateway advantages, and promote sustainable socio-economic development for the city and the Central region.

Accelerating National Highways and Expressways

To date, Hue City lacks a truly world-class road connecting the Vietnam-Laos border to its seaport. Meanwhile, the Phong Dien Port is planned to develop 8-12 berths by 2030, with a total length of 1,250-2,620 meters and a throughput capacity of 6-11 million tons.

According to the Hue People’s Committee, Phong Dien Port is part of the Vietnam Seaport System Development Master Plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, approved by the Prime Minister. The committee is actively seeking investors for the port’s construction.

NH49F (former Route 71), the shortest route from Phong Dien Port to the Hong Van – Co Tai border gate (former A Luoi District), spans about 100 km and was originally built as a wartime road. While some sections have been upgraded over the decades, over 70 km from NH1 to Ho Chi Minh Highway remain narrow and degraded, prone to landslides, especially in steep mountainous areas with deep valleys and high cliffs. During the rainy season, fast-flowing streams exacerbate landslides, causing traffic congestion and safety hazards.

As an immediate solution, in late August 2025, Hue City inaugurated the 17 km Phong Dien Rescue Road, linking the port planning area to NH1. The final 13 km section from Ho Chi Minh Highway to the Hong Van border gate, upgraded by the Ministry of Construction, is expected to be completed in 2026.

Long-term plans include a proposal by the Hue City Party Committee to the Government for support in constructing the 70 km NH49F section from NH1 to Ho Chi Minh Highway during 2026-2030, with an estimated cost of VND 5.5 trillion.

Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong, Chairman of the Hue People’s Committee, emphasized that investing in this road will drive economic growth, enhance regional connectivity, and enable Laos to access seaports, fostering international integration and independent economic development.

In Quang Tri Province, on August 6, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh approved the addition of the Cam Lo – Lao Bao Expressway to the list of nationally significant transport projects. This 56 km, four-lane expressway, designed for speeds up to 100 km/h, will connect the Cam Lo – La Son Expressway to the Lao Bao International Border Gate. With a total investment of VND 13.939 trillion, the project will be funded through state budgets and investor contributions.

Upon completion, the Cam Lo – Lao Bao Expressway will seamlessly link national arterial roads to the Lao Bao International Border Gate, reducing travel times and logistics costs. This will strengthen connections with countries along the East-West Economic Corridor, driving socio-economic development in western Quang Tri Province.