Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested relevant agencies and localities to accelerate and complete the construction of two expressways in northern Cao Bang and Lang Son provinces in 2025.

The Government leader made the request while inspecting the construction sites on November 14.

PM Chinh stressed that the Dong Dang (Lang Son) - Tra Linh (Cao Bang) and Huu Nghi - Chi Lang (Lang Son) expressway projects hold significance, not only for their connectivity with regional expressways and the North - South expressway network but also their linkage with China.

To date, site clearance for both projects is largely complete, with four tunnels already under construction.

The Dong Dang - Tra Linh expressway project, linking Cao Bang and Lang Son, is 121km long and has total investment of over VND23 trillion ($901 million). The first phase of the project started on January 1 this year, building a 93.35-km section with an estimated investment capital of VND14.33 trillion ($561 million).

PM Chinh agreed to proceed with the second phase of the Dong Dang - Tra Linh project in 2026 in the public-private partnership format, aiming for a fully completed four-lane road.

Once fully operational, the expressway will help to shorten travelling time between Cao Bang and Hanoi from 6-7 hours to 3.5 hours.

Meanwhile, the Huu Nghi - Chi Lang project is 60km long and invested with over VND11 trillion ($431 million). The expressway is designed to have six lanes and a roadbed width of 32.25 meters. It will connect Lang Son province’s border gates with economic centers in Hanoi, Bac Giang and Bac Ninh and seaports in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh.