The ministry has been assigned to lead the review and report to the prime minister by March 15.
The 82-kilometre project, part of the planned Quang Ngai-Kon Tum route, links the eastern North-South Expressway in Nguyen Nghiem Commune with Mang Den. It has four lanes and a width of 22-24 metres.
The Quang Ngai-Kon Tum expressway is included in Vietnam’s national road network plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050. The 136-km route is scheduled for completion before 2030, designed as a full four-lane expressway with a roadbed width of 22-24.7 metres and a design speed of 80-100 km/h.
Mang Den, located midway along the planned route, is a well-known tourist destination often dubbed a mini Dalat thanks to its pine forests, waterfalls, lakes and cool climate. However, its tourism potential has been limited partly by poor transport connectivity.
Quang Ngai authorities said the expressway would provide the shortest road link to Kon Tum, support Central Highlands development and improve regional connectivity, while helping realise the Bo Y-Kon Tum-Mang Den-Quang Ngai economic corridor.
