Representatives from Vinh Long, Dong Thap, Tay Ninh, Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City reached consensus at a meeting on April 23, endorsing an investor-backed plan for the 151-km CT.33 route.
The proposed expressway would run through the five localities, linking the Ben Luc-Long Thanh Expressway at its starting point and connecting to the Chau Doc-Can Tho-Soc Trang Expressway at its end, forming part of a coastal corridor.
Total investment is estimated at VND 70.9 trillion (USD 2.7 billion) under the PPP model, with the state budget expected to contribute around 70 per cent, or VND 49.6 trillion. A fully state-funded option would cost about VND 68.2 trillion.
The project would be developed in two phases. The first phase includes 73 km of new four-lane expressway and upgrades to 13 km of existing national highways, with an investment of 29.3 trillion dong. Construction is expected to begin by end-2026 and be completed by 2029.
The second phase would add a further 78 km of four-lane expressway.
Local officials broadly supported the proposal, noting its role in improving regional connectivity and aligning with development plans.
Vinh Long Chairman Tran Tri Quang said the province would coordinate with relevant agencies and the project’s proposing investor, Deo Ca Group, to finalise the plan before submitting it to the government for approval.