Dong Thap Proposes Investment Plan for Phase 2 of the Cao Lanh - An Huu Expressway

(DTO) The People’s Committee of Dong Thap Province has sent an official dispatch to the Ministry of Construction, reporting on the plan for the investment, completion, and upgrading of Phase 2 of the Cao Lanh - An Huu Expressway project.

According to the Provincial People’s Committee, the project is currently under construction with a total investment of 7.496 trillion VND. The project is divided into two subprojects: Subproject 1 with a total investment of 3.640 trillion VND, and Subproject 2 with 3.856 trillion VND.

To date, Subproject 1 has disbursed 1.843 out of 2.510 trillion VND, reaching 73.43% of construction value. Subproject 2 has completed 1.657 out of 2.368 trillion VND, equivalent to 69.97%. Investors and contractors are striving to complete Phase 1 by May 19, 2026, in accordance with the Prime Minister’s directive.

In its report to the Ministry of Construction, Dong Thap Province outlines two options for implementing Phase 2 of the expressway. The first option is to treat Phase 2 as an “extension of Phase 1.”

This option offers several advantages: the expressway would reach its planned capacity sooner, traffic flow would be improved, and traffic safety risks would be minimized once the road opens. It would also ensure uniform design solutions between the two phases, particularly at connecting points. Investment costs would be more economical compared to delaying construction due to inflation, and demolition costs for Phase-1 structures would be lower than in a new project scenario.

However, this option also presents drawbacks: projected traffic volumes do not align with the approved feasibility study; Phase 1 may have to suspend certain construction items pending adjustments to the feasibility study; some near-complete structures may need to be demolished; and the funding plan for this approach has yet to be secured.

The second option is to develop Phase 2 as a “new project.” Its advantages include a more appropriate investment scale aligned with the approved traffic forecasts; Phase-1 components can be completed strictly according to existing designs; acceptance and warranty procedures can follow contractual rules; the Phase-1 timeline remains uninterrupted; and the expressway can open to technical traffic as scheduled at the Prime Minister’s request.

The disadvantages of this option include the risk of traffic-safety issues once opened, higher investment costs due to inflation, and greater demolition expenses for structures built in Phase 1 compared to option 1.

After evaluating both alternatives, the province concludes that implementing Phase 2 as a new project (option 2) offers clearer advantages over extending Phase 1.

Therefore, the People’s Committee of Dong Thap Province requests the Ministry of Construction to consider and approve Phase 2 of the Cao Lanh - An Huu Expressway under the new-project approach.

By ANH THU
Translated by ANH DUC