Vietnam advances mountain and Da Lat road projects, extending timelines after flood damage

The Management Board of Project 2 (Ban QLDA 2), the investor for the northern mountainous road corridor linking Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces, has asked the Ministry of Construction to extend the project’s completion date from 30 June 2026 to 31 December 2026. The six‑month extension follows severe flooding and landslides in early July 2026 that damaged National Highways 279 and 32, causing sinkholes, road collapse and blockage. Ban QLDA 2 also seeks permission to draw on about US$18 million of unused loan funds from the Asian Development Bank and the Australian Government for emergency repairs under the emergency construction order.

Separately, the 7.4‑km Da Lat ring road, a VND 870‑trillion investment launched in July 2021, is now largely open after five years of construction. The four‑lane, 20‑metre‑wide beltway connects the Tuyền Lâm National Tourist Area with key junctions, easing traffic congestion and improving access to tourist sites such as Cam Ly waterfall and Lang Biang. Only a 40‑metre segment remains pending due to a land‑ownership dispute. The project includes complete signage, lighting and sidewalks, substantially enhancing the city’s transport infrastructure.