Work begins to link Noi Bai-Lao Cai expressway with Sa Pa

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc pressed a button to launch a project to connect the Noi Bai-Lao Cai expressway with Sa Pa in the northern province of Lao Cai on February 27.

Deputy PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and other delegates press buttons to launch the project connecting the Noi Bai – Lao Cai expressway with Sapa. (Credit: VNA)
Deputy PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and other delegates press buttons to launch the project connecting the Noi Bai – Lao Cai expressway with Sapa. (Credit: VNA)

At a cost of over VND2.5 trillion (US$112.5 million), the project will build a four-lane provincial road crossing Sap Pa and Bat Xat District and Lao Cai City, and upgrade the existing highway 4D.

The work on 29.2 kilometres of road is expected to finish within the first quarter of 2019.

At the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Phuc said he supports the project’s build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and co-ordination among different constructors.

Highway 4D plays a significant role in the development of the northwestern region. However, the road is relatively small and easily blocked by heavy traffic.

Recently, the road to Sa Pa has become overloaded with the large volume of tourist arrivals. During the Lunar New Year holiday alone, more than 35,000 people visited the town.