Drivers have to "perform tricks" when passing through the road connecting Ha Tinh - Nghe An

(Baohatinh.vn) - Highway DH20 connecting Ha Tinh - Nghe An is seriously degraded with the road surface sinking, cracking, and many deep holes, forcing vehicles to continuously steer, posing a potential risk to traffic safety.

The interprovincial road from Duc Minh commune ( Ha Tinh province ) to Thien Nhan commune (Nghe An province), over 4 km long, is in widespread disrepair. Numerous potholes and cracks have appeared on the road surface, directly impacting traffic safety and transportation in the area.

On-site observations reveal that the nearly 2-kilometer stretch of road bordering the area (from the Trung Phuc Cuong intersection in Thien Nhan commune to the Chau Cuong bridge – bordering Duc Minh commune) has suffered significant damage to its road surface. Numerous potholes, 20-30 cm deep and nearly 2 meters in diameter, are scattered across both lanes. The roadbed is uneven, with some sections collapsing, creating significant height differences between the asphalt surfaces. In areas of subsidence, the asphalt layer has completely peeled off, leaving only the underlying soil and rocks.

Vehicles are forced to swerve to avoid potholes, often encroaching on the opposite lane. During rush hour, many vehicles have to stop or move in turns due to the road being narrowed by large damaged areas.

The road section is quite narrow, only wide enough for two lanes of traffic. However, the high volume of vehicles, especially heavy trucks, frequently passing through increases the risk of collisions. Residents say that driving through this area is always risky, especially during peak hours or when it rains and visibility is limited. In fact, many collisions and traffic accidents have occurred on this stretch of road, some resulting in casualties.

Currently, if people don't use the DH20 road, they only have two options: detour onto National Highway 15 to cross the Nam Dan bridge, or go towards Bac Hong Linh ward, then cross the Ben Thuy bridge to enter Truong Vinh ward. Both routes are longer and more expensive. Therefore, despite the serious deterioration of the DH20 road, it is still quite busy.



Following heavy rains and the effects of flooding, the road surface structure continued to deteriorate, making the already damaged road even worse.

According to our research, this route is the shortest way connecting the former districts of Duc Tho, Huong Son, and Vu Quang in Ha Tinh province with the former Vinh City in Nghe An province. Since the Yen Xuan bridge was put into use in 2016, the route has become the main artery leading to the Cau Treo International Border Gate without having to go through the Ben Thuy toll station.





Thanks to advantages in distance and cost, traffic volume, especially of heavy trucks, on this route is increasing.

"I pass through this section almost every day, so I'm very used to having to swerve to avoid potholes and deep ruts. But for strangers, especially those driving low-clearance cars, it's very easy to scrape the undercarriage, damage the shock absorbers, or hit the jagged rocks on either side. Motorcyclists can easily skid and fall because they can't avoid them in time," said Phan Hong Quan (Duc Tho commune) angrily.

Furthermore, the DH20 road currently lacks a lighting system. At night or during rainy weather, visibility is limited, making it difficult for drivers to spot potholes or ruts in the middle of the road.

Because there are no warning signs at the damaged areas, people and drivers only recognize them through personal experience or reflexes when approaching. Having to swerve suddenly to avoid potholes makes vehicles prone to losing control, veering into other lanes, and leading to head-on collisions.



Upon investigation, it was found that in early 2024, this road underwent maintenance and repair under the investment of the former Trung Phuc Cuong Commune People's Committee (now Thien Nhan Commune - Nghe An Province). However, just one year later, the road deteriorated again.

"We hope this road will be repaired and leveled soon, making travel less difficult. Now, every time we pass through here, we have to carefully avoid obstacles; just one slip could lead to an accident," said Mr. Nguyen Quoc Chuong from Hung Nguyen commune (Nghe An).

Highway 20 is not only a vital artery connecting Ha Tinh and Nghe An provinces, but also a crucial route for promoting trade and socio-economic development between the two provinces. The renovation and upgrading of this road is not only an urgent need but also a responsibility to ensure safety and convenience for the people and to promote regional economic development.

Video: The deteriorating condition of Highway 20.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/lai-xe-phai-lam-xiec-khi-di-qua-tuyen-duong-noi-ha-tinh-nghe-an-post297702.html