VietNamNet Bridge – Ha Noi’s People Committee has announced plans to lower and expand Au Co Road along the Hong (Red) River Dyke in Tay Ho District, which is the shortest route connecting the city centre and Noi Bai International Airport.

Au Co Street is part of the Hong (Red) River dyke in Tay Ho District. It is also part of the shortest route connecting the city centre and Noi Bai International Airport. — VNA/VNS Photo

The municipal committee has submitted the plan to the Government Office, Ministry of Planning and Investment, and Ministry of Finance, asking for a special mechanism to simplify investment procedures so that work can be completed by the middle of 2020 when Vietnam hosts the 36th ASEAN Summit and the 31st South Asian Games.

Under the proposal, the 3km road will be lowered and reinforced by an L-shaped concrete barrier. It will be expanded to six lanes. The main dyke road currently has a width of 8-17 metres, but some sections have only two lanes.

According to the committee, the height gap between the main road and the lower roads was large, with a limited turning circle and visibility which threatened traffic safety and caused congestion.

The upgraded Au Co Road is expected to create a smooth connection between Noi Bai International Airport and the city centre as well as bridges crossing the Hong River, including Thang Long, Nhat Tan, Chuong Duong, Vinh Tuy and Thanh Tri.

The link between Au Co Road and Nghi Tam along the dyke has already been lowered and the new An Duong-Thanh Nien Overpass opened to traffic on Thursday.

The city’s People’s Committee said that without the backing of the Government Office and relevant ministries, the project would take 28-30 months to complete, meaning it would not be ready in time for the two major regional events.

Construction of the An Duong-Thanh Nien Overpass and lowering of a 2.5km stretch of Nghi Tam began last September with a total cost of VND312 billion (US$13.4 million). The overpass is 271m in length and 10m in width.

Source: VNS