The Ministry of Transport has said it will work to complete upgrades to and expand National Highway No. 19 this year.

The 230-km highway connects Le Thanh international border gate in the central highlands’ Gia Lai province, bordering Cambodia, with Quy Nhon Seaport in south-central Binh Dinh province.

The project has total capital of nearly VND5.6 trillion ($235 million).

Contractors have been asked to mobilize equipment, human resources, and construction materials to quicken construction and complete the project this year.

This is one of the key investment projects to improve National Highway No. 19 and reduce traffic congestion along the route.

Once completed, the project is expected to contribute to boosting transport links between the central highlands and central coastal region as well as with Laos and Cambodia, thus helping promote socio-economic development, according to the ministry.