A road construction project linking two northern provinces, Bokeo and Xayabouly, has reached 30 percent completion, according to officials following a recent inspection.
On 8 March, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and the Minister of Public Works and Transport visited the construction site to monitor progress and accelerate the project’s implementation.
Spanning a total length of 53 kilometers through challenging northern terrain, the road is designed with a width of 8 meters to accommodate two-way traffic. The project carries a total investment of over LAK 318 billion (approximately USD 14.9 million) and is scheduled to be completed within four years. The project is being carried out by the Douang Chaleun Group, which began work in July 2023.
Officials said work is progressing across several sections along the route. Some parts between Houayxay and Paktha have already been paved, with completed segments ranging from 5 to 10 kilometers.
Despite the progress, authorities said the project has experienced some delays due to budget constraints affecting payments under the construction contract.
Once completed, the road is expected to improve transportation between the two northern provinces and eventually connect to Vientiane Capital.
During the visit, the delegation also inspected a 3.6-kilometer Mekong River riverbank protection project in Huayxay district, valued at over LAK 350 billion (USD 16.3 million), which has reached 3.35 percent completion.
