Hanoi has kicked off a project to upgrade the Ba La - Xuan Mai section of National Highway No. 6, with total capital of more than VND8.1 trillion ($333 million).

The highway will be expanded to 4-6 lanes with a total width of 50-60 meters and have a speed limit of 80km/h.

The upgrades to the 21.7-km stretch are expected to be completed by 2027.

Upon completion, the project will help ease traffic congestion and promote socio-economic development in Ha Dong and Chuong My districts and in the city center.

It is also expected to help enhance links and trade between Hanoi and northwestern localities such as Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, and Lai Chau provinces and between Vietnam and Laos.