Expressways in Vietnam must contain at least 4 lanes as of October 1, 2024

Expressways in Vietnam must contain at least 4 lanes as of October 1, 2024 (Internet image) 

Regarding this matter, LawNet would like to answer as follows: 

This is the content mentioned in Circular 06/2024/TT-BGTVT dated March 31, 2024 on National Technical Regulations on Expressways issued by the Minister of Transport of Vietnam.

Expressways in Vietnam must contain at least 4 lanes as of October 1, 2024

According to QCVN 115:2024, expressway refers to a technical grade of roads for use by motorized vehicles, outfitted with median strips separating opposing directions of travel, not accommodating at-grade crossing with other road or roads, outfitted with adequate equipment, accommodating continuous, safe traffic, shortening travel time, and allowing entry, exit at designated locations.

In particular, expressways must ensure the following general requirements:

- Structure of expressway must meet integrity and stability requirements and conform to natural conditions.

- Expressway contains at least 4 lanes (2 lanes per direction of travel) and is outfitted with continuous breakdown lanes (except where: the expressway crosses a bridge with at least 150 m in span or 50 m in pier height; the expressway travels in tunnel; deceleration and acceleration lanes are located on the expressway; climbing lanes are located on the expressway).

- Structures attached to expressway include: Traffic management and coordination center; Roadside stations; Stop-less electronic tolling system; Weigh stations; Barriers.

- Cross-section of expressway may rest on the same road base or two separate road bases if two directions of travel are situated on two separate road bases.

Thus, the general technical requirement for expressways is to have at least 4 lanes (2 lanes in each direction), with emergency stopping lanes arranged continuously.

Management, operation, usage, and maintenance of expressway structures in Vietnam

- The management, operation, usage, and maintenance of expressway structures shall conform to Decree 32/2014/ND-CP  on the management, operation and maintenance of expressway facilities, amended by Decree 25/2023/ND-CP and guiding Circulars.

- Speed limit on expressway is determined on the basis of design speed, technical conditions, weather conditions, climate, vehicle flow, and type of vehicles participating in traffic on expressway.

- Maximum speed limit on expressway must not exceed 120 km/h. Maximum speed limit and design speed must not be more than 20 km/h apart; maximum speed limit of 2 consecutive segments must not bee more than 20 km/h apart.

- U-turn areas are required for oversized vehicles in weigh stations.

More details can be found in Circular 06/2024/TT-BGTVT taking effect on October 1, 2024.

- Investment projects for the construction of expressways having their investment guidelines approved before the effective date of Circular 06/2024/TT-BGTVT shall adhere to regulations applicable as of the date on which the investment guidelines are approved;

- In respect of expressways with maximum design speed of 80 km/h that are active before the effective date of Circular 06/2024/TT-BGTVT, for the purpose of upgrade and expansion, technical factors can be applied to projects approved before the effective date of Circular 06/2024/TT-BGTVT.

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