Quickly fix damaged signs on Da Nang highway

Many signs and directional markers are damaged.

On June 12th, a reporter from Giao Thong Newspaper observed on the Da Nang - Quang Ngai expressway, specifically the section from Quang Ngai City to Quang Nam province and vice versa, that numerous road signs and directional signs were peeling, damaged, and illegible.

The road signs indicating the section passing through Quang Nam province on the Da Nang - Quang Ngai expressway are damaged and are being repaired.

At kilometer marker 81+420, a quarter of the sign has peeled off, leaving only the words "Da Nang - Quang Ngai ". Some signs have been covered with decals or have peeling white paint, making it impossible to read what the sign says.

Approaching the Chu Lai toll station, many road signs were partially or completely whitened, peeling, and looked very unsightly.

Numerous speed limit signs and exit signs also have peeling letters and numbers, causing confusion for road users.

On the route from Tam Ky City (Quang Nam) to Nghia Ky commune, Tu Nghia district (Quang Ngai), many road signs are in a similar condition.

At Km83 in Nui Thanh district, Quang Nam province, the road sign to Chu Lai Open Economic Zone has been largely peeled off, leaving only the words "Chu Lai, National Highway 1". The remaining direction arrows and other information are missing.

The directional signs hanging on the overhead gantries in the Quang Nam province area are "covered in white" and their meaning is unclear.

Continuing on towards Quang Ngai province, numerous rectangular blue directional signs hung on archways were also "smeared" white and illegible.

Not only are road signs faded, torn, or blurry and illegible, but many speed limit signs are also damaged, making them difficult for drivers to understand.

Many drivers who regularly travel on this route say that for several weeks these signs have been damaged and torn, making it impossible for drivers to understand the speed limits or the information the signs provide.

"Although the road signs are damaged, the police's speed cameras are still functioning normally, so if you're not paying attention or your vehicle doesn't have the necessary equipment, it's very easy to get caught speeding. Furthermore, at interchanges, first-time drivers on the highway won't be able to exit because they won't know the way out," said Xuan Truong, a tourist bus driver.

Mobilize multiple construction teams to focus on resolving the issue.

Confirming the damage, a representative from the Da Nang - Quang Ngai Expressway Operation Center stated that they have reported the issue to the Vietnam Expressway Investment and Development Corporation (VEC) for their information and guidance on remediation.

Specifically, along the route, 19 signs and directional signs with peeling reflective coating were repaired by VEC, including signs prohibiting hazardous chemicals; signs prohibiting right turns; speed limit signs (60 km/h); supplementary exit signs, etc., and 3 additional supplementary exit signs were installed.

The Da Nang - Quang Ngai Expressway Operation and Management Center is currently focusing on repairing damaged road signs and directional markers.

Currently, VEC has decided to address the damage and review and separate some damaged signs that significantly affect traffic safety of the project, such as speed limit signs and signs indicating entry and exit points to intersections. These repairs are being carried out first and are expected to be completed in June 2024.

Previously, on June 4th, VEC issued document 1427 regarding the plan to repair damaged road signs on the Da Nang - Quang Ngai expressway, agreeing to repair some damaged signs. At the same time, it requested the Da Nang - Quang Ngai Expressway Operation Center to dismantle the damaged signs that VEC had agreed to repair, and to urgently gather equipment and materials to organize and implement the construction, completing it before June 20th.

Observations along the route show that workers are actively dismantling and repairing damaged road signs. Multiple construction teams have been deployed, with workers placing warning devices and removing damaged signs along the road. Other teams are dismantling and repairing signs with peeling reflective coatings, re-applying speed limit signs, etc.

Workers are removing a road sign with peeling reflective coating for repair.

Representatives from the Da Nang - Quang Ngai Expressway Operation Center stated that remedial work is being carried out urgently and seriously to ensure traffic safety on the route and to guide traffic entering and exiting the expressway appropriately.

Currently, the unit is making efforts to complete the repair of minor damages in June. For major damages, it takes time because according to regulations, bid packages with capital of over 500 million must comply with legal regulations, so it takes time to implement such as submitting for appraisal and approval of technical economic reports...

Workers are removing the damaged sign for repair.

It is known that in 2022, VEC also allocated funds to repair 33 damaged traffic signs, and in 2023, it repaired 143 signs.

The Da Nang - Quang Ngai expressway project, spanning over 139 km and passing through Da Nang, Quang Nam, and Quang Ngai provinces, was started in 2013 with an investment of over 34,000 billion VND. The project was completed and put into operation in 2018.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/khac-phuc-nhanh-cac-bien-bao-hu-hong-บน-cao-toc-da-nang-quang-ngai-192240612192702578.htm