Coastal routes to bolster regional development

Part of the coastal route in Danang

More than a month after the construction of the De Gi section of Cat Tien – part of Binh Dinh province’s coastal route – was completed, many new residential areas and tourism resorts have been constructed along the new road, bringing a marked facelift to the area.

According to Le Van Dieu, chairman of Cat Hai People's Committee, the old provincial roads created many difficulties, especially during the rainy season. However, the formation of the coastal route will significantly improve the situation.

Chairman of Binh Dinh People's Committee Nguyen Phi Long said that Cat Tien is a key part of the province’s coastal route project, which is expected to boost development by exploiting the abundant potential of regional tourism.

The project has a total investment value of $54.8 million, of which $9 million will come from the central budget and the remainder from local funds.

In January 2021, Quang Binh People's Committee held a ceremony to mark the start of the Nhat Le Bridge project. This is a key development in the province, taking place between 2021 and 2026 with a value of $95.5 million.

According to Pham Van Nam, director of Quang Binh Department of Transport, the project aims to be a driving force to attract investment and promote tourism.

The development will help to connect coastal areas with key economic zones, bridging the eastern region and the rest of the country.

Le Duc Tien, Deputy Chairman of Quang Tri People's Committee, said that a series of transport infrastructure projects are in the development pipeline across the region, including the coastal road project.

This key route is the basis for the formation of new urban areas along the coast, in line with Quang Tri’s latest development planning.

To connect with the coastal road, Quang Tri has upgraded the national highway from Nga Tu Song to Cua Viet, one of the transportation backbones in the area.

According to Quang Tri’s management, the prime minister has approved the construction of the 70km Cam Lo-Lao Bao expressway project. Once completed, this will be an arterial route on the east-west economic corridor, connecting with Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos to accelerate socioeconomic development.

In May last year, Quang Tri People's Council approved investment for the first phase of a 56km coastal road project to connect with the east-west economic corridor. The total investment is set at $89.5 million, running from 2021 to 2025.

Binh Dinh is playing a leading role in bringing the coastal route into operation.

Ho Quoc Dung, Secretary of Binh Dinh Party’s Committee, said that despite the pandemic complicating the situation, many component items of the province’s coastal route were completed on schedule and to a high standard.

The remaining sections of the coastal route connecting the west of the province with the coastal route will continue to be a priority.

“Along with the north-south highway passing through Binh Dinh, these projects will shape a seamless and modern transport network, creating an upward development trend in the province,” Dung noted.