HCMC — The Ministry of Construction has mandated that the construction of toll stations, rest areas, and traffic management systems on publicly-funded expressways must be completed before toll collections start.
In a statement sent to provincial authorities, the ministry said operation centers, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), rest areas, and weight facilities must be built simultaneously to ensure effective management and traffic safety.
The ministry noted that while some expressways have been opened to traffic with full auxiliary infrastructure, several others are operational or under phased development with only designated locations for rest areas. Many lack ITS and weight systems, failing to meet traffic safety and operational requirements.
According to the current regulations, expressways must have operation centers, non-stop electronic toll collection (ETC) systems, rest areas, and vehicle weight facilities before tolls can be collected.
The ministry told local governments to review and invest in these facilities and to address site clearance and environmental assessment issues to speed up rest area construction, particularly on the eastern section of the North-South Expressway.
As of late April, eight sections of the North-South Expressway had been put into service and are expected to start toll collection in 2025. They include Cao Bo–Mai Son, Mai Son–National Highway 45, National Highway 45–Nghi Son, Nghi Son–Dien Chau, Cam Lo–La Son, La Son–Hoa Lien, Vinh Hao–Phan Thiet, and Phan Thiet–Dau Giay.
