Pilot lane separation on Noi Bai

Photo caption

Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway. Photo: Quoc Khanh/VNA

Mr. Nguyen Quan Tuong, a bus driver on the Hanoi - Lao Cai route, believes that clearly separating lanes between trucks, large buses and small cars is very necessary. Previously, vehicles still moved in mixed lanes, trucks and container trucks moved into the inner lane, causing traffic to slow down, causing local congestion and unsafety. Trucks have large loads, limited acceleration and handling capabilities, so it is necessary to require large vehicles to use the outer lane, reserving the inner lane for small cars and fast vehicles to ensure even traffic speeds.

“Reasonable lane division not only reduces the risk of collisions and avoids traffic jams, but also helps drivers be more proactive while driving. In addition, it is necessary to increase signs, surveillance cameras and strictly punish cases of driving in the wrong lane, so that awareness of compliance is raised, contributing to building a safer, smoother and more civilized highway,” said Mr. Nguyen Quan Tuong.

On the Noi Bai - Yen Bai section km0 - km123+080, the maximum speed allowed on both lanes is unified at 100 km/h. However, the minimum speed is adjusted more flexibly, lane 1 (close to the median strip) is 80 km/h, while lane 2 (next to the emergency lane) is 60 km/h. This is to encourage vehicles to drive in the correct lane, reducing the risk of congestion and accidents.

At special locations such as the National Highway 2 underpass (Km0+080 - Km0+840), the Red River overpass (Km76+600 - Km78+640) and the Lo River overpass (Km47+350 - Km48+550), the maximum speed is lowered to 80 km/h for both lanes, with a unified minimum speed of 60 km/h to ensure safety due to complex terrain.

Regarding vehicle lane separation, lane 1 will prohibit trucks with a total mass of over 7,500 kg (including regular trucks except pickups and vans, specialized vehicles except cash transport vehicles, tractors, trailers) and passenger cars with over 29 seats. Lane 2 does not distinguish between vehicle types. Heavy trucks and large passenger cars running on lane 2 are allowed to move to lane 1 to pass, but must return to lane 2 immediately afterwards and maintain a safe distance. Signs, paint lines and speed information will be added at intersections to guide traffic participants.

Mr. Dinh Trung Thanh, Director of Road Management Area 1 (Vietnam Road Administration) recommends that to ensure smooth, safe traffic and compliance with regulations, vehicles traveling on lane 2 (lane next to the emergency lane) if they need to overtake another vehicle traveling in the same direction are allowed to switch to lane 1 (lane next to the median strip) to overtake, then switch back to lane 2 to continue traveling. During the lane change process, vehicles must still maintain a safe distance from the vehicles in front and behind.

Residents and drivers are advised to strictly comply to avoid violations, and to monitor notifications from management units for updates on changes.

On the side of Road Management Area 1, it also requested that Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC), the management and operation unit, coordinate with functional forces and localities to monitor, urge and coordinate to ensure order and safety on the route.

In addition, VEC reviews and adjusts the signaling system, speed signs on gantries or booms, and paints the speed directly on the road surface in an easily observable location. In case of repair or troubleshooting, VEC may temporarily limit the speed but must be approved by the competent authority.

Speed and lane adjustments on the Noi Bai - Lao Cai highway will be implemented for 1 month, starting November 10.