At the 17^th session of the State Steering Committee for nationally significant and key transport sector projects (Steering Committee), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh acknowledged and commended ministries, sectors, and localities for successfully completing and putting into operation several important works and projects.

However, to achieve the target of completing 3,000 kilometers of expressways and 1,000 kilometers of coastal roads by 2025, ministries, sectors, and localities must act decisively and swiftly to accelerate construction progress. This is essential to meet socio-eco development demands and create momentum for driving economic growth.

Contractors and construction teams working through the holidays to achieve the goal of opening the North - South Expressway to traffic by 2025

With the national goal of completing 3,000 kilometers of the North - South Expressway, Phu Yen Province has set a target to open traffic on two sub-projects passing through its territory by September and December 2025. To meet this goal, thousands of workers and engineers have been working tirelessly day and night, even through public holidays, to ensure the projects are completed on schedule as committed.

The Ky Lo Bridge at Km63+328 is considered the critical path in the schedule of the Quy Nhon - Chi Thanh sub-project. The bridge spans over 1.8 kilometers and features piers with significant heights ranging from 27.3 to 47 meters - with piers T6 and T7 reaching up to 47 meters. Due to the mountainous terrain, construction conditions have been particularly challenging and complex. As of now, the contractor has completed bored piles and substructure works, and is currently executing the balanced cantilever segments, with 45/90 segment pairs completed. For many months, hundreds of engineers and workers have been working intensively, day and night, to complete the remaining items.

Mr. Nhu Dinh Van, Director of the Management Board for Package 13XL of the Quy Nhon - Chi Thanh sub-project, stated: "At this construction site, we regularly work through holidays, day and night, with the spirit of "defying the sun, conquering the rain, and not yielding to storms". As of now, the Quy Nhon - Chi Thanh sub-project has reached a total executed volume of VND 5,359 billion, equivalent to 72.87% of the contract value. Specifically, the unit has completed approximately 88% of the roadbed embankment work. Asphalt pavement has been laid over 7.33 kilometers, reaching 22% of the planned volume. Construction is underway on all 28 bridges, with 147/188 bridge spans completed. In addition, 15/16 underpasses for local access have been finished, achieving 94% completion. We are

Similarly, on the Chi Thanh - Van Phong sub-project, contractors have completed approximately 88% of the roadbed embankment work. Asphalt pavement has been laid over 12.77 kilometers, reaching 29.94%. Construction is underway on all 32 bridges, with 130/134 bridge spans completed, or 97%. Both tunnels of the Tuy An road tunnel have been fully bored through. Furthermore, 46/47 local access underpasses have been completed, equivalent to 97.87%... The total executed contract value has reached VND 6,126 billion, or 74.57% of the total. The project is on track for completion by December 2025.

At the 17^th session of the Steering Committee, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that prioritizing the development of several nationally significant transport projects is one of the country's three strategic breakthroughs. This initiative not only meets development needs and brings tangible benefits to localities, but also serves as a driving force for boosting economic growth - targeting an 8% increase in 2025 and aiming for double-digit growth in the years to come.

The Prime Minister added that, as of now, the country has completed 2,268 kilometers of expressways and is striving to complete an additional 800 kilometers by the end of this year, in order to meet the goal of having at least 3,000 kilometers of expressways. Many expressway projects are being actively implemented, with efforts to shorten construction timelines through new and effective approaches. In this spirit, on the occasion of the 79^th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and the 80^th National Day (September 2), the country will commence or inaugurate 80 major projects and works. Similarly, on the occasion of the 79^th anniversary of National Resistance Day (December 19) and in celebration of the 14^th National Party Congress, more significant projects and works will also be launched or completed nationwide.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh directed that, in the time ahead, all units, ministries, sectors, and localities must uphold the highest sense of responsibility and mobilize the entire political system to accelerate progress and complete site clearance for the projects. Project owners and contractors should mobilize resources from subcontractors, as well as local labor and machinery. Any arising issues must be resolved promptly whichever level has the authority must take responsibility without delay, avoidance, or shifting of blame. All units and contractors must work with determination and urgency to expedite construction progress and strive to complete projects ahead of schedule.