The Lai Chau People's Committee has submitted a pre-feasibility study for the Bao Ha-Tan Phong section of the Bao Ha-Lai Chau Expressway to the State Appraisal Council, with the Ministry of Construction serving as its standing agency.
The proposed expressway would have four lanes and a design speed of 80-100 kilometres per hour.
It would begin at the Hanoi-Lao Cai Expressway interchange at kilometre 196+700 in Bao Ha Commune, Lao Cai, and end at Le Loi Avenue in Tan Phong Ward, Lai Chau.
The estimated investment includes nearly VND 6.4 trillion for land acquisition, compensation and resettlement, more than VND 37.2 trillion for construction and equipment, over VND 2.6 trillion for project management, consultancy and other costs, and more than VND 4.7 trillion for contingencies.
Nearly VND 49 trillion would come from the central government budget, with local budgets contributing more than VND 2 trillion.
If approved, the project is expected to begin construction in the fourth quarter of 2027, be substantially completed by 2030 and open to traffic in 2031.
Lai Chau has proposed dividing the project into four components. The province would oversee compensation and resettlement within its territory, as well as construction of the section passing through the province, including the Khau Co Tunnel in neighbouring Lao Cai.
Lao Cai would manage compensation and resettlement on its territory, while the Ministry of Construction would oversee construction of the Lao Cai section, excluding the Khau Co Tunnel.
The expressway is expected to help unlock the region's economic potential, support sustainable poverty reduction and narrow development gaps with other localities.