National Highway 1A in Sóc Trăng Province. A 20km section of this highway in Hậu Giang and Sóc Trăng provinces will be upgraded at a cost of VNĐ1.7 trillion (US$72 million). — Photo baogiaothong.vn

MEKONG DELTA — The Ministry of Transport has approved a VNĐ1.7 trillion (US$72 million) upgrade of a 20km section of National Highway 1A passing through Hậu Giang and Sóc Trăng provinces.

The section, between Ngã Bảy Town in Hậu Giang and Châu Thành District in Sóc Trăng, will be repaired and widened to 20m.

Five bridges will also be upgraded.

The funds for the work will come from the Government, with VNĐ32 billion ($1.4 million) allocated this year.

The ministry’s Project Management Board No 7 has been assigned the task of carrying out a feasibility study for the project.

The work is expected to meet rising demand for transport, improve road safety and help foster socio-economic development of the two provinces and the wider Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta. — VNS