HCMC – The Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang has approved a plan to expand the HCMC-Trung Luong Expressway from six lanes to 10 lanes, with an investment of nearly VND10 trillion, according to the local media.

This 40-kilometer-long expressway currently has four traffic and two emergency lanes.

After more than 12 years of operation, especially since the suspension of toll collection in 2019, the expressway has saw a significant increase in traffic volume, resulting in frequent congestion and accidents.

In response to the growing travel demand, the project management board conducted a feasibility study for expanding the expressway.

The HCMC-Trung Luong Expressway would be expanded to 10 lanes, including eight traffic and two emergency lanes, with a maximum speed of 120 kilometers per hour.

The expansion project is estimated to cost VND9,765 billion and will be funded by the Stage budget in the 2021-2025 period and the Ministry of Transport in the 2026-2030 period.

Work on the project is expected to start in 2025 and be completed by 2027.

Tien Giang Province has also proposed developing several roads leading to the expressway in Tan Phuoc and Chau Thanh districts, and establishing more rest stops along the expressway.

Furthermore, the local authorities have recommended that the Ministry of Transport consider expanding the Trung Luong-My Thuan Expressway in synchronization with the HCMC-Trung Luong Expressway.

The HCMC-Trung Luong Expressway passes through HCMC and the provinces of Long An and Tien Giang. It serves as a crucial gateway in the western part of HCMC, connecting the city with the Mekong Delta region.

The expressway will also connect to the under-construction Ben Luc-Long Thanh Expressway, forming a major road network from the Mekong Delta provinces to the southeastern provinces.