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.
Báo Hà Tĩnh•19/10/2025
The inter-provincial road from Duc Minh commune ( Ha Tinh ) to Thien Nhan commune (Nghe An) with a length of more than 4 km is being damaged on a large scale. The road surface has many subsidence and cracks, creating deep holes, directly affecting traffic safety and transportation activities through the area. Recorded in the field, the nearly 2 km long border road (from Trung Phuc Cuong intersection, Thien Nhan commune to Chau Cuong bridge - the border with Duc Minh commune) has lost its road surface structure. Many locations have holes 20 - 30 cm deep, nearly 2 meters wide in diameter, scattered in both lanes. The roadbed is uneven, with some places collapsing, creating a difference in height between the asphalt surfaces. At the collapsed locations, the asphalt layer has completely peeled off, leaving only the layer of soil and rock underneath. Vehicles are forced to swerve to avoid the potholes, often encroaching on the opposite side of the road. During rush hour, many vehicles have to stop or move in turn because the road surface is narrowed by large damaged spots. The road surface is quite narrow, only enough for two lanes of traffic. However, the high volume of vehicles, especially heavy trucks, often passing by increases the risk of collisions. Locals say that driving through here is always risky, especially during busy times or when it is raining and visibility is limited. In fact, there have been many collisions and traffic accidents on this road, including cases that have caused casualties. Currently, if people do not go through the DH20 route, they only have two options: go around National Highway 15 to cross Nam Dan Bridge or go towards Bac Hong Linh Ward, then cross Ben Thuy Bridge to enter Truong Vinh Ward. Both of these routes are longer, causing more expenses. Therefore, although the DH20 route has seriously degraded, there are still quite a lot of people passing by.
After heavy rains and flooding, the road surface structure continued to break down, making the already damaged road even more severe.
According to research, this route is the shortest way connecting Duc Tho, Huong Son, Vu Quang districts (old) of Ha Tinh province with Vinh city (old) of Nghe An province. Since Yen Xuan bridge was put into use in 2016, the route has become the main axis leading to Cau Treo International Border Gate without having to go through Ben Thuy Toll Station.
Thanks to the advantages in distance and cost, traffic volume, especially heavy trucks, traveling on the route is increasing.
“I pass this section almost every day so I am used to having to steer to avoid potholes and deep holes. But for strangers, especially low-chassis cars, it is very easy for the chassis to collapse, the shock absorbers to break or they can crash into the jagged rocks on both sides. Motorcyclists can easily skid and fall because they cannot avoid it in time,” said Phan Hong Quan (Duc Tho commune).
In addition, the DH20 route currently has no lighting system. At night or when it rains, visibility is limited, making it difficult for drivers to detect deep holes or ruts in the middle of the road. Due to the lack of warning signs at the damaged locations, residents and drivers can only recognize them through personal experience or reflexes when approaching. Having to suddenly turn the steering wheel to avoid potholes makes it easy for vehicles to lose control, encroach on lanes, leading to head-on collisions.
Through investigation, in early 2024, this road was maintained and repaired by the People's Committee of the former Trung Phuc Cuong commune (now Thien Nhan commune - Nghe An) as the investor. However, only 1 year later, this road continued to be damaged.
"We hope this road will soon be repaired and smoothed, making traveling easier. Now every time we pass here, we have to walk and avoid, just a little mistake can cause an accident," said Mr. Nguyen Quoc Chuong - Hung Nguyen commune (Nghe An). The DH20 route is not only the lifeline connecting the two provinces of Ha Tinh and Nghe An but also an important route promoting trade and socio -economic development of the two provinces. The renovation and upgrading of this route is not only an urgent need but also a responsibility to ensure safety and convenience for the people and economic development of the region.
Báo Hà Tĩnh•19/10/2025
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