Speeding up stopover projects on the eastern North-South Expressway

An artist view of a stopover on the eastern North-South Expressway - photo: Chinhphu.vn

Following the Prime Minister’s instructions, the Ministry of Transport has issued numerous documents requesting local authorities with stopovers to speed up site clearance for the projects’ implementation.

Despite these efforts, challenges in site clearance and construction procedures remain unresolved, significantly affecting the goal of completing the projects on schedule. This is particularly critical for essential service facilities, such as restrooms and parking areas. Reports from relevant units indicate that the progress of the stopover projects remains tardy.

To meet the urgent needs of travelers using the expressways, especially during the 2025 Lunar New Year, Minister Tran Hong Minh has instructed directors of Project Management Units 6, 7, 85, Thang Long, and Ho Chi Minh Highway to assign leaders and staff to work closely on-site with local authorities and investors. Their task is to resolve challenges, enhance fieldwork, and review and ensure construction progress.

Additionally, project management units are required to be present at the construction sites to monitor and speed up progress. They are also tasked with promptly addressing any issues within their authority to ensure the projects’ quality and on-time completion. Temporary stopovers must be prepared to serve travelers during the 2025 Lunar New Year period.

Directors of the project management units will bear full responsibility to the Minister for site clearance and project progress and quality. The Ministry of Transport will review and hold accountable any parties involved if they fail to fulfill their responsibilities.

Investors are requested to not only cooperate in speeding up site clearance but also implement measures to ensure the quality and progress of the projects. The goal is to complete the projects ahead of schedule to meet the public’s travel needs during the holiday season.

According to the official notes, if the required progress cannot be met due to objective factors, investors and enterprises must operate previously constructed temporary stopovers and complete the construction of new ones before January 20, 2025. The operation of temporary stopovers must ensure absolute safety for users and vehicles, maintain quality, comply with environmental and safety standards, and adhere to fire prevention regulations, say the official notes.

Minister Tran Hong Minh tasked the heads of the Department of Roads of Vietnam and the Vietnam Expressway Authority to increase their presence at the project sites in order to address challenges and soon complete the projects./.