HCMC – Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Tri provinces have voiced their opposition to the recent ban on heavy-duty trucks and coaches of 30 seats or above on the Cam Lo-La Son Expressway, citing concerns over traffic safety when these vehicles are rerouted to National Highway 1A, the Department for Roads of Vietnam said.
Thua Thien-Hue’s Traffic Safety Department, on April 1, conveyed its disagreement with the Department for Roads of Vietnam’s ban, which will come into force on April 4.
Since the opening of the expressway, Thua Thien-Hue has witnessed a fall of up to 40% in traffic volume on National Highway 1A, leading to a decline in traffic accidents from 48% to 18%.
The presence of 46 schools along National Highway 1A puts students at risk during peak hours, making it significantly important to maintain the diversion of heavy-duty trucks and coaches to the expressway.
Moreover, diverting trucks and coaches to the west bypass of Thua Thien-Hue Province poses additional safety concerns due to road deterioration and lack of proper infrastructure.
Similarly, Quang Tri Province has rejected the ban, saying it has seen a considerable drop in traffic accidents since the Cam Lo-La Son Expressway was opened to traffic.
On March 28, the Department for Roads of Vietnam had announced the rerouting of coaches and trucks exceeding 30 tons and semi-trailer trucks to National Highway 1A, running parallel to the expressway, in an effort to improve traffic safety on the two-lane expressway, redirecting around 3,500 vehicles daily.
Stretching nearly 100 kilometers and linking Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue provinces, the Cam Lo-La Son Expressway has seen some serious accidents since its opening in late 2022.
