The Ministry of Transport has asked the Hai Duong Provincial People’s Committee in Vietnam’s north to offer opinions on an investment plan to expand part of the section of National Highway No. 37 passing through the province to ensure it is in line with the province’s socio-economic development strategy.

The 485-km National Highway No. 37 connects eight localities, including Thai Binh, Hai Phong, Hai Duong, Bac Giang, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Yen Bai, and Son La.

The section crossing Hai Duong is 64 km long. Part of road has deteriorated and traffic congestion is common.

In late May, the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam submitted the investment plan to the Ministry of Transport for appraisal.

Under the plan, a 12-km section of the road crossing through Hai Duong will be upgraded and expanded with estimated investment of nearly VND2.3 trillion ($97 million) from the State budget.

If approved, construction is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024.