Quy Nhon - Pleiku Expressway: Considering changing the route, saving over 1,000 billion VND.

Prior to the groundbreaking ceremony, the Quy Nhon - Pleiku expressway project is considering adjusting the route through the An Khe pass. This change could save significant costs but requires addressing technical challenges.

Overview of the strategic highway project

The Quy Nhon - Pleiku expressway construction project, scheduled to commence on December 19th, is a strategic transportation route connecting the South Central coastal region with the Central Highlands. The project plays a crucial role in promoting socio -economic development and ensuring national defense and security in the region.

According to the approved investment plan, the expressway will be approximately 125km long. The project's starting point connects to National Highway 19B in An Nhon Bac ward, and the end point connects to the Ho Chi Minh Highway in Hoi Phu ward, Gia Lai province. The total investment for the project is over 43,700 billion VND. The expressway is designed with 4 lanes, a roadbed width of 24.75m, and a design speed of 100km/h. According to the initial plan, there will be 3 tunnels through the An Khe and Mang Yang passes. The project is expected to be implemented from 2025 to 2029.

On December 19th, construction began on the Quy Nhon - Pleiku expressway. Photo: Internet

Proposal to adjust the route through An Khe Pass

Prior to the commencement of construction, the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee proposed a plan to make localized adjustments to the route through the An Khe pass. The Ministry of Construction has provided written feedback on this proposal.

According to the pre-feasibility study report, the section through An Khe Pass (from Km22+00 to Km50+00) is designed to run south, about 1.5-2km from National Highway 19, following the mountain slope and featuring a 1.7km viaduct and two tunnels.

The proposed adjustment suggests a route that goes north, following the northern slope of the mountain to the An Khê pass area (Km34+500), then turns south, passing through the Đá Khuyết mountain area via a tunnel at Km42+860 and reconnecting to the main route at Km50+000.

Project route. Photo: Internet

Analysis of adjustment options

Cost and technical advantages

According to the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee, the revised plan offers several advantages. The new route is considered smoother, reducing the length of viaducts and bridges with special structures. Notably, the estimated investment cost could be reduced by more than 1,000 billion VND. Furthermore, this plan also shortens the length of sections with steep longitudinal slopes, increasing operational safety.

Challenges and requirements from the Ministry of Construction

However, the Ministry of Construction pointed out that the revised plan still needs further study and clarification on several issues. Specifically, the total length of the route will increase by approximately 1km. Although the number of tunnels will decrease, the length of the new tunnels will increase by approximately 2,900m, posing more complex technical requirements regarding ventilation and safety. In addition, the area requiring land clearance will increase by approximately 10 hectares compared to the initial plan.

The Ministry of Construction has requested the People's Committee of Gia Lai province, in its capacity as the investment decision-maker, to thoroughly appraise the feasibility study report. The assessment of the necessity of adjusting the route must be comprehensive, ensuring economic and technical efficiency, operational safety, and compliance with relevant planning.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/cao-toc-quy-nhon-pleiku-can-nhac-doi-huong-tuyen-tiet-kiem-hon-1000-ty-dong-411120.html