CAN THO – Dong Thap Province has proposed a new project on the expansion of the Cao Lanh–An Huu Expressway in phase two, according to a report submitted to the Ministry of Construction.
The province reviewed two investment options for phase two and recommended establishing a separate project rather than integrating the work into the ongoing phase one.
Under this option, phase two would be developed based on projected traffic demand in the approved feasibility study. Phase-one construction would continue without interruption, allowing the project to be completed and put into technical operation as scheduled under the prime minister’s directive. This approach also ensures compliance with approved design, inspection, and warranty requirements.
However, Dong Thap noted that this option could increase investment cost due to inflation over time and require demolition of more previously completed structures. It may also pose traffic safety risks when the expressway is put into operation before full expansion.
The alternative option would integrate phase two into phase one. The province noted that this approach could complete the expressway sooner and reduce demolition costs. It would also allow synchronized design and construction across both phases.
But this option does not align with forecast traffic volumes in the approved feasibility study. It would require adjustments to the feasibility study and could interrupt ongoing construction. Funding arrangements have also not been determined.
Phase one of the Cao Lanh–An Huu Expressway is under construction with four restricted lanes and a road width of 17 meters. Phase two aims to expand the road to full expressway standards with a width of 23.25 meters.
According to the Dong Thap People’s Committee, phase one consists of two component projects with total investment of nearly VND7.5 trillion. The first component has reached VND1.8 trillion in completed work, or 73.43% of its construction value, while the second has reached VND1.6 trillion, or 69.97%.
Phase one is scheduled for completion on May 19, in line with the prime minister’s directive.
