ROAD DEVELOPMENT AND ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN LAOS

[Lone Rider]

Upgrading Road 4501 from Hinheup on Road 13 North to Ban Vang on Road 11 on the Mekong via Feuang and Meun District

The Heuangsy Bridge Construction Company is rebuilding the road at a cost of more than US$168 million in a bid to create a viable transport link with roads in other Asean countries. “We began work in March in Meuangfeuang district and have so far done almost 1 percent of the job,” company President Mr Sisavat Vongvilay told Vientiane Times on Tuesday. The company will invest the necessary capital and the government will repay them within a period of 10 years beginning in 2016. The 132 kilometre road runs from Hinheup district to Xanakham district through the two districts of Meuangfeuang and Meun. The new highway will be paved with two layers of asphalt and will have 16 concrete bridges. The road will run to the Thai border and the checkpoint in Vang village will be upgraded to an international crossing in the future.

Mr Sisavat said that in the urban centres of Hinheup, Meuangfeuang and Meun districts the road will be widened to 14 metres, but in the centre of Xanakham district it will be widened to 22 metres because at this point it will link to roads from other Asean countries. Goods trucks from the north of Laos and trucks coming from China will be able to use the road to transport goods to Thailand. It will also help to reduce congestion on Road No. 13 North. The road connects with National Highway No. 11 along the Mekong River in the west and links with Road No. 13 North in Hinheup district. Currently, the road is seriously degraded and is full of potholes. In addition, trucks cannot use this route as the existing metal bridges are too old and weight limits are imposed.

By Khonesavanh Latsaphao
Extracted from: Vientiane Times



Note by LR. The local border crossing from Ban Vang in Laos to Ban Kok Phai in Thailand was supposed to have become International a few years ago. It looks like that, once Rd 4501 is paved, this now might happen in 2016.

 

[Lone Rider]

Xe Bangfai Bridge - Rd. 5528

Last week the contract for the construction of the bridge over the Xe Bangfai river in the road (part of the HCM trail) running from Ban Langkhang/Na Phao on Rd. 12 to Boualapha and onwards to Vilaboury and Rd. 9 was signed. According to the contract, the construction work is determined to be completed two years after the signing date (so, if everything goes according to schedule the bridge will be ready in June 2015). The bridge, costing 40 billion kip, is designed to be 181 m long and 10 m wide with two footpaths each sides and street lights. Upon the completion the bridge will help improving livelihood of Xe Bangfai residents and facilitate to the goods transportation.

Extracted from :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

This is how the crossing looked like last week when Johnny and Matt crossed the river when the river was still quite low - just imagine how it will be a few month from now at the height of the rainy season.

 

[Lone Rider]

Bridge over the Mekong near Pakbeng



(KPL) The construction of Park Beng Bridge begun in December 2012 spanning Mekong River in Park Beng district, Oudomsay province, is now 21.6% complete. The bridge under the special loan of the EXIM Bank of China worth US$30.89 million connects the national roads 2W and 2E to Nguen district, Sayabouly province.

"The 700 m long and 13 m wide bridge is expected to be completed in 2015, spurring the provincial socio-economic development," said Mr. Nolasack Sisouphan, supervisor of bridge construction. Upon completion the bridge will provide facilitates to the goods transportation in the Northern provinces of Laos, and facilitates in trade, investment and services especially to attract trade investment from the neighboring countries Thailand, Vietnam and China.

By Malayluck - Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

A few pictures of preparations for the construction of the bridge taken on one of my recent trips - trip report here: http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-...317-another-mapping-trip-time-north-laos.html

My pictures were all taken from the south side while the picture from the newspaper article is taken from the north side

 

[Lone Rider]

Road No13 North and 2W to be upgraded


(KPL) A signing ceremony of a parallel road construction to the Road No 13 North and 2W connecting Namo district-Say district to Beng district, Oudomsay province, was held in the province last Friday. Signatories to the document were authorities of Head of the Oudomsay Public Works and Transport Department, Mr. Kayakeo Vongsalavanh and President of the Sayphatthana Road-Bridge and Irrigation Construction Company, Mr. Khamchanh Yadouangchith. This road stretching over 64 km will be cleared and upgraded to its surface, for a total investment of 165 billion kip. The road is expected to be completed at the end of 2017. The construction was funded by the government.

Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency


Not really sure where this road will be constructed as the article is very vague about it. According to the article it will connect Beng District with the Xay and Namor district so I assume that it will be a kind of shortcut from Road 2West to Road 13 North but bypassing the city of Oudomxay. Should be in Oudomxay in about 10 days or so and will try to find out more.

 

[bsacbob]

So the infamous section of the 13N from HouayHok to Oudomxai remains untouched Auke...

 

[Lone Rider]

So the infamous section of the 13N from HouayHok to Oudomxai remains untouched Auke...

Yes, I am afraid so - sometime ago it seemed that the Chinese would provide the money and manpower to upgrade that section but after that it has become quiet again.

 

[Lone Rider]

The new Kasy to Muang Nan Road

The new road from Kasy district in Vientiane province to Mueang Nan on Rd 4 from (Luang Prabang to Xayaboury) and onward to Luang Prabang now is expected to open in October, instead of its original schedule of June. The delay was due to the shortage of asphalt needed to seal the surface of the road, he added.
(Source: Vientiane Times)

It seems that they have solved at least part of their problem as the road is now completely sealed and is a joy to ride. But beware, there are a lot of loose stones in the curves to watch out for.



However, the road is very steep at places and several cars had "gone over the side" already. Today there was a bus which probably had problems with the brakes and I guess that the driver preferred to set the bus in the ditch rather than go over the side (drop some 100 meters).

 

[Lone Rider]

Road 2504 from Rd 13N to Phonxai

Road 2504 from Rd 13N to Phonxai

A few weeks ago on my way from Luang Prabang to Luang Namtha I noticed that the first part of the dirt road from Road 13N to Phonxai starting from Rd 13N was now paved. Don't know how far they have come with paving as I did not have enough time to check it out with paving it but I guess that the pavement will go all the way to Phonxai.

 

[Lone Rider]

Yes, I am afraid so - sometime ago it seemed that the Chinese would provide the money and manpower to upgrade that section but after that it has become quiet again.

So the infamous section of the 13N from HouayHok to Oudomxai remains untouched Auke...

Did this stretch of road a few weeks ago and it is still bad if not very bad so stay clear of it if you can. It took me three hours in my truck from the junction at Pak Mong to Oudomxay (total distance about 75 km.) but I guess on a bike it will take less time as you will be able to circumvent the biggest potholes in case it is dry. During my trip it rained and the potholes were filled with water and mud and I had a few surprises with potholes which looked OK but were in fact quite deep.

 

[Lone Rider]

NEW BYPASS AROUND LUANG PRABANG

(Adapted from KPL News - June 14, 2011) Luang Prabang province will spend more than 160 billion kip or US$20 million on the construction of an 18-km asphalted road to detour the town preventing heavy trucks entering into the town.

The two-layer asphalt road runs from Kok-ngiew (Kokngiou) to Phonesay (Phonxay) villages with installation of streetlight system and drainage system. The construction work by the Phousi Luang Prabang Road and Bridge Construction Company started on 27 May 2011 and is expected to be complete in 2015.

The exact location of the new bypass is not known but this picture gives a very approximate indication of where it probably will run from Ban Kokngiou (southeast of LPB) on Rd 13N to Ban Phonxai (north of LPB)

An update - took the bypass the last time I was in Luang Prabang and while it is still far from ready, the bypass on the south-side can be used although the part in Ban Phonsa-at still needs to be upgraded. The bridge over the Nam Khan is also not yet ready. Below is a screenshot of the bypass on the south-side of the Nam Khan. If you come from the south, the bypass is a good option as you will miss all the trucks and other traffic coming from Luang Prabang. Below a picture of the location of the bypass (which is different from what I first assumed), the bypass itself and the bridge under construction.

 

[Lone Rider]

UPDATE ON THE UPGRADING OF ROAD 16B FROM XEKONG VIA DAKCHEUNG TO THE VIETNAM BORDER (http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-...velopment-road-construction-laos.html#post337)

Xekong road project faces delays

Work on the 212km National Road 16B, linking Xekong province to the Vietnamese border, is facing delays as the construction company waits on its contract to be extended. Project head, Mr Bounchanh Sengdara, said Tonghomsombath Construction Company had signed a four-year contract with the government for the work in 2009, and had recently submitted a request to the government to extend the original contract. "We do not know when the government will allow the project to continue, so work has stopped temporarily," he said.

While construction of the new road was initially expected to be complete by the end of the year, weather conditions and landslides have caused a number of delays. A late decision to widen the road from 9m to 13m and add sidewalks, lighting and improved drainage through 3km of the Xekong provincial capital also affected the project timeline. Mr Bounchanh said the company could not put a date on completion of the project and may face further delays while the government works on extending the contract. In 2009, the government authorised Tonghomsombath Construction Company to spend more than 370 billion kip (US$44 million) to build the road. That figure increased after the decision was made to widen the road in Xekong. The company is financing the project, with the government to repay the costs over a nine-year period.

Source: Vientiane Times 19 August 2013

 

[Lone Rider]

New Laos-Vietnam border checkpoint for Luang Prabang

Work will begin on a new Laos-Vietnam border checkpoint in Luang Prabang province in 2015, moving the checkpoint from the province's mountainous areas to Naluang village in Phonthong district. Luang Prabang provincial Public Works and Transport Department Director, Mr Fasanan Thammavong, told Vientiane Times on Monday the border checkpoint could not be further developed at its present location, about 8km from Nasone village, as the area was too mountainous.



Naluang has been selected as the new international border checkpoint as part of a provincial strategy to develop the poverty-stricken village. The village is located in a flatland area, making it suitable for building the water systems, car parks, petrol stations, markets, hotels and transport facilities required at a border crossing. Luang Prabang province shares a border with Vietnam's Dien Bien Phu province. Last Friday, the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport signed a memorandum of understanding with its Vietnamese counterpart to build a new road between Luang Prabang's Phouthipheuang and Nasone areas and the Laos-Vietnam border.

The 104.7km road will bypass the centre of Phonthong district to avoid traffic congestion. Transport Engineering Design Inc. of Vietnam (TEID-Vietnam) will work with Luang Prabang provincial authorities to survey and design the new road. Vietnam's Ministry of Transportation will suggest TEID-Vietnam complete the survey by October 15 and submit a report to the two countries' governments. Mr Fasanan said work on the road, which will be constructed with two layers of asphalt, would begin in late 2014 or early 2015, as would work on the new border crossing. Luang Prabang provincial Public Works and Transport official, Mr Khamsy Souvanthong, said the new road would begin at the Road No. 1C junction in Ngoy district and extend to the border. He said main roads in the centre of Phonthong district would be paved with asphalt as part of the project.

Vientiane Times

 

[Lone Rider]

Sekong's Road 16 B is 76 per cent built


(KPL) The upgrading of Road No. 16 B, which lies between Sekong and Darkchung in Sekong Province, has been confirmed 76 per cent completed after it was commenced in 2009, has said an official. The 320-billion kip road upgrade project is being implemented by local firm Tong Construction. Upon its completion, the road will be a strategic road that links the Lao PDR with sea in Vietnam and it will help motorists who travel between Pakse of Champasack and Vietnam's sea enjoy a shorter journey or not more than 400 km, according to Project Manager Mr. Bounchanh Sengdala. The road is 115 km long and being upgraded widening its asphalt surface up to 7.9 m. "We expect that in the future a number of motorists will increasingly use this road," he added.

Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

See also http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-...pment-road-construction-laos-3.html#post32955 where the Vientiane Times indicates that work has stopped temporarily

 

[Lone Rider]

UPDATE ON THE UPGRADING OF ROAD 1E FROM LAK XAO (RD 8) TO NAKAI (NAM THEUN 2 HYDROPOWER PROJECT)

Rain has not affected the upgrade of National Road 1E between Borikhamxay province's Khamkeuth district and Nakai district in Khammuan province. Project Head, Mr Vongdeuan Chanthavongsa, said the work is 63 percent complete and is continuing on schedule. The government has invested more than 300 billion kip to pave and widen the 78km road to help improve transportation in the region. Mr Vongdeuan said travel would remain difficult along the road until the project was finished, especially during the rainy season. He said some stretches of the road had been hit by landslides, but none had been serious enough to affect construction. However unexploded ordnance clearance along the road is expected to cause some delays to the work, now due to be complete in 2015.

The new road will be 7m wide in non-residential areas, 8m wide through villages and will span between 9m and 11m in areas home to village development groups.

Initial surfacing work was due to begin in December 2011 but was delayed while the contractor acquired the necessary construction equipment. The project is divided into two sections and will pass through the Nam Theun 2 dam site. The first section, 40km in length, starts in the centre of Khamkeuth district and finishes at Nakai district. An agreement for the first section was signed in December 2011 by Borikhamxay Deputy Governor, Mr Khambounnat Xayyamon, and Phetsamone Construction Company Director, Ms Phetsamone Sengsavang. The remaining 38km of road, to be built by Phonesack Group, will run from Nakai district to the Nian River along the border of Khamkeuth district. Khammuan Deputy Governor, Mr Somchay Phetsynuan, and a Phonesack Group representative, Mr Bounphang Symoukda, also signed an agreement for the project in 2011.

 

[Lone Rider]

Rd 13 North between Pakmong and Oudomxay to be repaired

Yes, I am afraid so - sometime ago it seemed that the Chinese would provide the money and manpower to upgrade that section but after that it has become quiet again.

Road 13 North in dire condition in Oudomxay

An 82 km. stretch of the country's main north-south highway, Road No. 13 north, has become severely degraded, hindering the transport of people and goods in the region. The degraded section runs between the Pakmong junction in Nambak district, Luang Prabang province, and the provincial capital of Oudomxay. People who have traveled on this road say the risk of an accident is high, especially during overtaking. In addition, the road surface is very uneven and the foundations are weak. With the surface asphalt layer largely gone, this hilly road becomes a sea of mud in the wet season and a cloud of dust in the dry season, sparking plenty of complaints from road users.

But that is set to change. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport will begin repairing the road in the upcoming dry season, using a US$82 million loan provided by the government of China, according to the Lao News Agency which quoted transport officials responsible for the road. It is estimated the upgrade will take three years. A survey has already been made and the plans drawn up and reviewed by the relevant sectors.

The Pakmong junction lies about 82km south of the provincial capital of Oudomxay. It used to take 2-3 hours to travel this distance but given the current road conditions the journey now takes 5-6 hours. Buses and heavily laden trucks may take even longer as drivers have to negotiate potholes, mud and dust. National Road No. 13 is an artery for the people of Laos because it is the main link between the northern and southern regions and also connects Laos to its neighbors.

By Times Reporters, (Latest Update September 16, 2013) - Vientiane Times

 

[Lone Rider]

RD 1D

Adapted from the Vientiane Times - Log In

Potholes ruin new Vientiane-Xieng Khuang road - Road 1D

A section of the recently opened road from Vientiane to Xieng Khuang province has deteriorated severely over a distance of 22km in Borikhamxay province. The damaged section runs between Phameuang and Thasy villages in Borikhan district, Borikhmaxay province. Buses have been taking seven or eight hours to travel from Vientiane to Xieng Khuang province through Borikhamxay, including an uncomfortable drive of almost three hours along the badly damaged 22km section. Conditions have become so bad that bus drivers have reverted to using Road No. 13 North through Phoukhoun district in Luang Prabang province.

Some drivers say the newly laid asphalt road between Phameuang and Thasy villages became damaged after lots of trucks loaded with cement passed through, as well as vehicles loaded with timber. Mr Hay vowed he would not use the road again in the rainy season, as he had been held up by trucks carrying cement that had got stuck in deep, muddy ruts.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 08, 2013)

 

[Lone Rider]

Road 4 - Luang Prabang-Xayaboury road link ready by April 2014

The section of upgrades to National Road No. 4, linking Luang Prabang and Xayaboury provinces, is expected to be complete by early next year. A project official, who wished to remain anonymous, provided Vientiane Times with a progress update after the new Pakkhone-Thadeua Bridge over the Mekong River, which forms part of the road, opened to the public on Saturday. “We plan to complete this section of the road before Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao),” the official said.

The 367 km. Road No. 4 runs from the Lao-Thai border in Xayaboury province to Road No. 13 North in Luang Prabang's Xiengngeun district. The first section to undergo an upgrade runs for 62 km. from the Road No. 13 intersection to the new Mekong River bridge in Xayaboury. Work on this section is now about 75 percent complete, with the first layer of asphalt overlay about half done. The first layer should be complete by the end of the year and the second two to three months later, meaning the road will be ready to reopen before Pi Mai Lao in mid-April.

The road upgrade carries a 181 billion kip price tag (US$22.6 million), which includes 72 billion kip (US$9.5 million) for bridge construction. The Republic of Korea provided 80 percent of the funding in a loan to the Lao government, who kicked in the rest. The Pakkhone-Thadeua Bridge is 620m long and 10.5m wide with four traffic lanes and walkways along both sides. The upgrade is part of an overall improvement of the transport network in the upper Greater Mekong Subregion.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 16, 2013)

Source: Vientiane Times

 

[Lone Rider]

Ministry allots funds for Borikhamxay road upgrade

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has allocated funding to repair a 30km stretch of road in Borikhamxay province that has severely deteriorat ed since it opened in 2008. The unnamed road connects Phameuang and Thasy villages in the province's Borikhan district and links with the recently-opened National Road No. 1D. At Thasy village, vehicles travelling along the unnamed road can turn left on Road No. 1D towards Xieng Khuang province or head right to Lak Sao near the Vietnamese border.

Borikhamxay provincial Public Works and Transport Department official, Mr Vixay Phoumy, said on Tuesday that heavy rain had damaged the road since its 2008 opening. Heavy vehicles carrying equipment for dam construction frequent the road and many potholes have appeared along more heavily-used stretches. Survey and design of the road upgrade are already complete and the construction contract will soon be put out to tender at auction. Mr Vixay said the cost of the project would be revealed at the auction.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 16, 2013)

Source: Log In

Note LR - on my GPS map the road is numbered 5101 and starts at Ban Phamuang (Mueang Huang) and runs east to Thasi where it links with Rd 1D

 

[Lone Rider]

Road No 9 - Savannakhet to Daensavanh on the Vietnam Border - upgrade 50 per cent complete

(KPL) The upgrade of Road No 9 in Savannakhet Province has been confirmed fifty per cent complete, after construction began in late 2012, according to one local official. The upgrade of the national highway as a concrete road has cost US$ 30 million. The road is being upgraded to be able to accommodate vehicles weighing up to eleven tonnes per axle. The cost of the road upgrade project has been met by grant assistance from the Japanese government.

"With the severe damage the road has encountered over the past couple of years, goods transport services and investment and tourism services (especially along the East-West Economic Corridor which links Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam), have all been affected," said Manager of the Road No 9 Improvement Project, Mr Viengvilay Soulinthone. The upgrade of the road section, which stretches 58km (its total length is 242 km), won't affect the width of the road, said to Mr Viengvilay.

"Road No 9 in Savannakhet province is important for the region because it provides a lot of convenience for goods transport, investment and tourism. T hese sectors contribute to the socio-economic development of the Lao PDR, and Savannakhet in particular," said Deputy Head of Land Transport Management Sector, Savannakhet Public Works and Transport Department, Mr Souvanh Sengchamphone.

Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

 

[Lone Rider]

New Laos-Vietnam border checkpoint for Luang Prabang

Work will begin on a new Laos-Vietnam border checkpoint in Luang Prabang province in 2015, moving the checkpoint from the province's mountainous areas to Naluang village in Phonthong district. Luang Prabang provincial Public Works and Transport Department Director, Mr Fasanan Thammavong, told Vientiane Times on Monday the border checkpoint could not be further developed at its present location, about 8km from Nasone village, as the area was too mountainous.

View attachment 20279

Naluang has been selected as the new international border checkpoint as part of a provincial strategy to develop the poverty-stricken village. The village is located in a flatland area, making it suitable for building the water systems, car parks, petrol stations, markets, hotels and transport facilities required at a border crossing. Luang Prabang province shares a border with Vietnam's Dien Bien Phu province. Last Friday, the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport signed a memorandum of understanding with its Vietnamese counterpart to build a new road between Luang Prabang's Phouthipheuang and Nasone areas and the Laos-Vietnam border.

The 104.7km road will bypass the centre of Phonthong district to avoid traffic congestion. Transport Engineering Design Inc. of Vietnam (TEID-Vietnam) will work with Luang Prabang provincial authorities to survey and design the new road. Vietnam's Ministry of Transportation will suggest TEID-Vietnam complete the survey by October 15 and submit a report to the two countries' governments. Mr Fasanan said work on the road, which will be constructed with two layers of asphalt, would begin in late 2014 or early 2015, as would work on the new border crossing. Luang Prabang provincial Public Works and Transport official, Mr Khamsy Souvanthong, said the new road would begin at the Road No. 1C junction in Ngoy district and extend to the border. He said main roads in the centre of Phonthong district would be paved with asphalt as part of the project.

Vientiane Times

I assume that this picture, copied from the Facebook page of "The Glory of Laos" shows the construction of the new Laos-Vietnam International Immigration at Km. 6, Luangprabang as mentioned in the quoted article from the Vientiane Times. Must admit though that to me, considering the very steep slopes of the filled in area, it does not look one of the best places to build a new crossing point complete with buildings


Copyright picture: Hongvilai Keoamphone

 

[Lone Rider]

Motorway development being considered for Laos

The concept of building a toll motorway in Laos is now pos sible in order to minimise traffic congestion in Vientiane, according to a senior official from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in cooperation with the World Bank, is currently conducting a survey for the development of motorways, with the results of the survey to be finalised early next year.

Office head of the ministry Dr Santisouk Simmalavong told Vientiane Times on Friday that his ministry reported the possibility of motorway development to the government last month despite the incompletion of the survey. “Road No.13 will be developed into a toll motorway over a total len gth of 300 km,” he said, saying t hat the first section will begin from the capital city, through Phonhong district to Vangvieng district in Vientiane province. The second section will run from Vientiane through Pakngum district to Borikhamxay province. Some sections of the toll motorway will be widened to four lanes to respond to the rising number of vehicles.

Critics commented that they support the construction of a toll motorway to address traffic congestion but the motorway needs to ensure that alternative roads are available for motorists, particularly the poor who are not in a hurry or those who don't want to pay for motorways. As the project is still under survey, it was unclear how much the motorway toll will be or whether construction should be entirely funded by private investors or whether the government should contribute funds as well. Dr Santisouk said a lesson learned from Vietnam is that the country levies tolls every 70km or so. Once the survey is complete, the ministry will report the results to the government before seeking investors who are interested in the project development.

Motorways are usually built in countries with high purchasing power which experience high traffic volumes, Vietnam for instance – a country of 80 million people and Thailand with more than 60 million people. Laos is a small market of just six million people. Although Laos is a transit country, it has a small population and low purchasing power. Perhaps the government needs to hold a share in the project to realise the motorway development, according to Dr Santisouk.

Congestion is a growing problem in the capital however. The population of Vientiane has reached almost 800,000 people while the number of vehicles has risen to more than 577,890. The import of vehicles and spare parts ranked on top of the country's total imports in the first six months of 2012-13, accounting for 26.4 percent of the total. Most agree that roads in the capital have become increasingly clogged with vehicles over the past 10 years as many more Lao people can afford to buy new cars and pick-up trucks. This has resulted in the capital experiencing traffic problems as most offices are located in the town centre. Many roads cannot be expanded as buildings are located close to the edge of the roadsides.

Source: Vientiane Times

 

[Lone Rider]

Highway 11 - Kaoliew-Sangthong road on track for June completion

Construction of National Road No. 11 linking Kaoliew in Vientiane's downtown area with Phialath in Sangthong district is set to be complete in another eight months. According to an official in charge of the project, construction of the 56 kilometre asphalt road began in May 2011 and is now 63 percent complete, with all survey and design work now finished. The road is being built on a 10 metre wide strip with 7 metres of vehicle-carrying surface.

The project includes building two feeder roads to Phialath with a combined length of 26 kilometres, nine bridges with a combined length of 450 metres, drainage channels and the installation of traffic signage. The aggregate base is 80 percent complete, surfacing 30 percent finished, and bridge construction 40 percent complete. Construction of the new road is being financed by the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency in Thailand, in the form of a soft loan amounting to 348 billion kip.


Location of the upgrading of Highway 11 from Kaoliew (Vientiane) to Sangthong and the bridge over the Nam Sang where it links with the existing paved road 11 to Ban Vang

 

[Lone Rider]

Paklai to Phoudoo (Pu Du) road on track for 2014 completion

Construction of the 27km Paklai-Phoudoo road in Xayaboury province is 48 percent complete and should be finished next year. Project Manager Mr Sengmany Sysouvanthong said last week “Work on the project is progressing smoothly after beginning in December last year.” “When it is finished this road will significantly improve transport between Paklai district and Phoudoo.”

The new 7-metre wide road (Road 3612 on the GPS maps) starts at the junction in Kaengsao village on Highway 4, Paklai district, and extends west-wards to Phoudoo on the Thai border. Mr Sengmany told Vientiane Times the project includes the upgrade of another 4.2km long road running between Buamlao and Phakeo villages. Five bridges with a combined length of 172 metres are being built, while drainage and street lights will also be installed. A new border checkpoint will be built at Phoudoo. Mr Sengmany said the new roads would improve transportation and boost social and economic growth. These roads are currently unpaved and transport is difficult all year round due to the clouds of dust created in the dry season and the mud and potholes that develop in the wet season.

Mr Sengmany said the project was supported by Thailand's Neighbouring Countries Economic Development (NEDA) at a cost of about 817 million baht. The funding system comprises a low interest loan and a grant component, with the Lao government required to repay 80 percent of the cost of construction. The funding was approved after the Lao government signed an agreement to accept financial assistance from NEDA in June last year. Mr Sengmany said this assistance is part of the strategic development plan between Laos and Thailand, especially in terms of upgrading Laos' national routes to link with Thailand and other countries in the region. “It is also key to national socio-economic development, reaching the Millennium Development Goals, and graduating from Least Developed Country status by 2020,” he added. The upgrade of the Paklai-Phoudoo road comes under the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, which signed the project agreement last November.

Adapted from http://vientianetimes.org.la/sub-new/Current/Curre_Xayaboury.htm]Vientiane Times 18 November 2013

Note LR: See also http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/red-tape-border-crossing-requirements/3733-pu-du-border-crossing-uttaradit-province-paklay-laos.html

 

[Lone Rider]

Ministry allots funds for Borikhamxay road upgrade

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has allocated funding to repair a 30km stretch of road in Borikhamxay province that has severely deteriorat ed since it opened in 2008. The unnamed road connects Phameuang and Thasy villages in the province's Borikhan district and links with the recently-opened National Road No. 1D. At Thasy village, vehicles travelling along the unnamed road can turn left on Road No. 1D towards Xieng Khuang province or head right to Lak Sao near the Vietnamese border.

Borikhamxay provincial Public Works and Transport Department official, Mr Vixay Phoumy, said on Tuesday that heavy rain had damaged the road since its 2008 opening. Heavy vehicles carrying equipment for dam construction frequent the road and many potholes have appeared along more heavily-used stretches. Survey and design of the road upgrade are already complete and the construction contract will soon be put out to tender at auction. Mr Vixay said the cost of the project would be revealed at the auction.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 16, 2013)

Source: Log In

Note LR - on my GPS map the road is numbered 5101 and starts at Ban Phamuang (Mueang Huang) and runs east to Thasi where it links with Rd 1D

Was a few day ago on this road and it is indeed bad - even worse than the stretch of road between Pak Mong to Oudomxay (Rd 13N) so, if possible, better avoid this road for the time being.

 

[Lone Rider]

Road Repairs on Rd 1D from Thasi to Muang Khoune

There have been many landslides on this road during the rainy season and while most have been cleared, there are still a few where work is ongoing as the road in places has almost disappeared. You may therefore expect therefore some delays on this road in particular in the mountains.

 

[mactbkk]

Auke

I looked at the time to cover this 30 km stretch, which was about an hour, so, yes, longer than when it was in good shape, but I still think better than taking Rts 13N & 7 to get to Phonsavanh from Vientiane. At least in the Dry, it'll surely turn real bad come the rains if not fixed up by then.

Mac

 

[Lone Rider]

RD 16 B SEKONG VIA DAKCHEUNG TO VIETNAM

This road runs from Sekong all the way to the Vietnam border and the Xekaman 3 Hydropower project along the border. The road was, and still is for a large part, a rough dirt road. The part from Dakcheung to the Vietnamese border (about 20 KM) is being built by a Vietnamese constractor and should be ready and asphalted this year. However, the part from Sekong to Dakcheung (about 90 KM) is being constructed by a Lao contractor and is expected to be ready by 2013/2014. Last week some 35 km was completed to a certain extent but bridges, etc. still needed to be put in.

Road construction about 20 km from Sekong

At Sekong there is no bridge although the new road goes up to the river so in the future it can be expected that a bridge will be built. On the ferry looking at the Vangxang Sawan Sekong Hotel in Sekong.

The same hotel in 2010 after typhoon Ketsana had dropped a lot of rain in Vietnam and the south of Laos (seen from Sekong town)

Japanese grant to ease Xekong transport

The Japanese government, through the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to Laos, has agreed to provide a grant for the design of a new bridge in Xekong province. The grant, totalling around US$800,000 will allow for a detailed design of the Xekong bridge project located on National Road No. 16B in southern Laos.

The funding agreement was signed in Vientiane yesterday between the Ministry of Planning and Investment's International and Cooperation Department Director General, Ms Sisomboun Ounavong, and the Chief Representative of JICA Laos Office, Mr Koichi Takei. The new bridge, which will cross the Xekong River, will function as a domestic and international arterial road connecting Xekong town and Dakcheung. The bridge is planned to be 300 metres long with a total of more than 500 metres of road access on both sides of the river.

A statement from the Ministry of Planning and Investment said the bridge will remove weather-related barriers and dramatically improve access the Kaleum and Dakcheung districts as well as Sanxay district, Attapeu province, where some of the most impoverished villages in Laos are located. The statement highlighted the importance of the project in contributing to the continuation of socio-economic development in Laos as it will form an integral part of the National Road No. 16 B, which is a transport alternative to the East-West Economic Corridor that links Thailand and Vietnam. The Xekong River divides Xekong province on the National Road 16B, and currently people must take the ferry boat to go to Dakcheung side.

Patients currently find it difficult to cross from the Dakcheung side to the Xekong provincial hospital at night due to the boat transport ending service at 6 pm. When the bridge construction is completed, Xekong people, particularly those living in Dakcheung district, will be able to access to public facilities such as hospitals, schools and markets year-round, Ms Sisomboun said. The bridge will also provide better service for local transport and has potential to increase rural development, she added.

(Latest Update January 14, 2014) - Source: Vientiane Times

 

[Lone Rider]

Paklai to Phoudoo (Pu Du) road on track for 2014 completion

Construction of the 27km Paklai-Phoudoo road in Xayaboury province is 48 percent complete and should be finished next year. Project Manager Mr Sengmany Sysouvanthong said last week “Work on the project is progressing smoothly after beginning in December last year.” “When it is finished this road will significantly improve transport between Paklai district and Phoudoo.”

The new 7-metre wide road (Road 3612 on the GPS maps) starts at the junction in Kaengsao village on Highway 4, Paklai district, and extends west-wards to Phoudoo on the Thai border. Mr Sengmany told Vientiane Times the project includes the upgrade of another 4.2km long road running between Buamlao and Phakeo villages. Five bridges with a combined length of 172 metres are being built, while drainage and street lights will also be installed. A new border checkpoint will be built at Phoudoo. Mr Sengmany said the new roads would improve transportation and boost social and economic growth. These roads are currently unpaved and transport is difficult all year round due to the clouds of dust created in the dry season and the mud and potholes that develop in the wet season.

Mr Sengmany said the project was supported by Thailand's Neighbouring Countries Economic Development (NEDA) at a cost of about 817 million baht. The funding system comprises a low interest loan and a grant component, with the Lao government required to repay 80 percent of the cost of construction. The funding was approved after the Lao government signed an agreement to accept financial assistance from NEDA in June last year. Mr Sengmany said this assistance is part of the strategic development plan between Laos and Thailand, especially in terms of upgrading Laos' national routes to link with Thailand and other countries in the region. “It is also key to national socio-economic development, reaching the Millennium Development Goals, and graduating from Least Developed Country status by 2020,” he added. The upgrade of the Paklai-Phoudoo road comes under the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, which signed the project agreement last November.

Adapted from http://vientianetimes.org.la/sub-new/Current/Curre_Xayaboury.htm]Vientiane Times 18 November 2013

Note LR: See also http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/red-tape-border-crossing-requirements/3733-pu-du-border-crossing-uttaradit-province-paklay-laos.html

While passing by on my way home I made a quick side trip to have a look at this new road. There is considerable progress with some 14 km. now paved out of the 32 km planned but when I asked when the border crossing would become truly International I only got smiles on the Laos side. The road is supposed to be ready in June this year and with some luck the border crossing will then become international (some 12-13 month after they had the Official opening of the International border crossing in May 2013).

Some pictures of the road and the existing Immigration office in Ban Pakheo which is still some 8 km. from the actual border.

 

[Lone Rider]

Road No 9 upgrade 62 percent complete

The improvement project to upgrade a 58km section of National Road No 9 in Savannakhet province is now about 62 percent complete, after it was started back in 2012. Head of the Savannakhet provincial Public Works and Transport Deparment, Dr Sengthong Vangkeomany, told the media that work on this project was now already 62 percent complete, but admitted that work had progressed a little slower than projected in the original plans. He was still confident, however, that the project would be completed on time.

The budget for the project was set at 3.273 billion yen, coming via a grant by the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The project is scheduled to run for three years from April 2012 to March 2015, with the work being divided into two sections. The first phase runs from Atsaphangthong to Phalanxay districts over a length of 47 kilometres and the second from the Xethamourk area to Phin district over a length of 11 kilometres. The work is contracted out to a joint venture between Obayashi Corporation and the Obayashi Road Corporation and is supervised by Oriental Consultants Co Ltd.

Previously the road was of variable thickness which resulted in the creation of potholes due to the passage of large numbers of heavy vehicles. But the new surface will be much thicker, so the road will be able to withstand heavy traffic. National Road No 9 is another important route in terms of the country's socio-economic development. The road links the east and west parts of Laos and is part of the East-West Economic Corridor which is of strategic importance for the region.

Adapted from Vientiane Times

 

[Lone Rider]

Upgrading of Road 6 in Huaphan Province

Huaphan provincial authorities have commenced work on a long awaited upgrade to the main road from Xieng Khuang to the capital Xam Neua, in an effort to ease travel to the northern region. The existing road is renowned for being narrow, windy and dangerous, so work is now underway on a project to realign the road and reduce the number of hairpin bends and turn-backs, allowing faster and safer travel.

Provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism Deputy Director, Mr Phouvanh Phetmixay, told Vientiane Times yesterday that the ongoing work on the road straightening will run from the border of Xieng Khuang province to Xamneua and Viengxay districts in Huaphan province. “The main part of the road's improvements is to widen the tight, narrow curves, in an effort to ease driving conditions and promote tourism in the northern provinces. It is scheduled for completion at the end of this year,” he said, adding that the project is being carried out by a private company and the government will reimburse construction costs later.

Adapted from: Vientiane Times

 

[Lone Rider]

Road construction commences in Xaysomboun Province

Authorities of Xaysomboun province have reached agreement with three construction companies on Monday in relation to three new asphalt roads from Anouvong town, the new provincial capital. According to a press release Work on the construction of the three separate roads is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2015.

A 50km long road (Road 5) from Anouvong district to Rd 1D in Thathom district in Xaysomboun province will be carried out by Thavisok Costruction Development Company Limited, worth over 356.8 billion kip.

The second road is 30km long and worth more than 263 billion kip. It runs from Phouhuaxang village to Aow Tai village in Anouvong district and will be built by Lackxay Road and Bridge Construction Company Limited.

The third road, worth around 304 billion kip, is 40km long and runs from Nam Gnone Bridge in Anouvong to Longcheng village in Longcheng district, with works to be undertaken by Chanyathilath Bridge, House, Road and Irrigation Construction Company Limted.

Adapted from: Vientiane Times

 

[Lone Rider]

Study underway on tollway development for parts of Rd 13 North and Rd 13 South

Parts of Road 13 North and Road 13 South are now being surveyed for redevelopment into two and four-lane highways to cater for the large increase in traffic using these roads. “Our government recognises the need to expand and improve its national road network in response to the rapid increase in traffic, to improve road safety and to ease congestion,” Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr Sommad Pholsena said in a workshop in Vientiane yesterday.

The survey and new road design are expected to be completed this year and the tenders for the construction works will be called for next year. The road development, expected to be completed in 2017, aims to increase road capacity, avoid serious traffic problems and facilitate ease of movement for commercial and non-commercial vehicles.

Road No. 13 North will be rebuilt from Sikeut junction in Vientiane to the bus station in Vangvieng district of Vientiane province, a distance of 142 kilometres. The project will turn 57km into a four-lane highway running from Sikeut junction to Phonghong district in Vientiane province followed by an 85km two-lane stretch from there to Vangvieng all of which will be asphalt surfaced.

On Road No. 13 South, the starting point is identified as the Dongdok intersection in Vientiane with redevelopment all the way to Sivilay village in Borikhamxay province, a total length of 141km. The first 48km from Dongdok to Phao village will be rebuilt as a four-lane highway with the remaining 93km from Phao village to the capital of Borikhamxay in Pakson district upgraded to two lanes.

Toll fees are expected to be charged for private vehicles with four or more wheels as well as buses and trucks and toll booths will be installed after the Sikeut junction and Dongdok intersection. According to a survey of people in the villages surrounding Sikeut and Dongdok, more than 63 percent of respondents agreed to pay a toll for the use of these highways.Toll fees are expected to range from 500 to 6,000 kip per trip.

Adapted from: Vientiane Times

 

[Lone Rider]

It seems that they have solved at least part of their problem as the road is now completely sealed and is a joy to ride. But beware, there are a lot of loose stones in the curves to watch out for.

View attachment 18989

NOTE: The Kasy to Mueang Nan road is being repaired at the moment and the road is closed to all traffic except construction vehicles from 7 am till 11 am and again from 1 pm to 5 pm. Travel is possible only from 11 am-1 pm and again after 5 pm. Not sure how long the repirs will take

 

[Lone Rider]

Saravan highway link with Road 13 South now half complete

Road 15A, which links Saravan provincial capital to Road No. 13 South in Napong village, Kong district, is now half built and the smooth surface is already providing a short cut to the capital. Head of the project in Saravan province, Mr Buachan Ouansavan, told Vientiane Times yesterday the agreement for the new road was signed in April 2011. Work began in October 2011 and is set for completion in April 2014.

“Now, road users can cut travel time to the provincial capital from three or four hours to just one hour. Even though the road isn't paved yet it is smooth enough to use,” he s aid. “We've laid asphalt on 4km of the road and will try to finish another 1km before the rainy season starts.”

The cost of the project is more than US$68.7 million. It includes a further 18km of asphalt roads in urban areas, the provision of water supplies and drainage, and additional roads to link towns to the outskirts of the province.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update April 24, 2013)

Vientiane Times

Saravan highway link with Road 13 nearing completion

Road 15A, which links Saravan provincial capital to Road No. 13 South in Napong village, Khongxedon district, is now 70 percent complete and is expected to be complete as scheduled in April this year. Head of the project in Saravan province, Mr Buachan Ouansavan, told Vientiane Times yesterday that the 70km road runs from the provincial capital through the districts of Saravan, Vapee and Khong, of which 30km is currently completed with asphalt pavement. “Our work is now on schedule and should be finished in April, while we also expect to organise a grand opening in June,” he said. He added that the total of 15 bridges are almost finished, of which only Samea bridge remains under construction but it is expected to be completed sometime early next month.

The project also includes work on asphalt sealing in six districts of the province, of which the two districts of Samuoy and Ta-oy are completed and the other four districts are expected to be finished in April, Mr Buachan said. He added that the water systems in five districts are also expected to be completed in May. The agreement for the new road was signed in April 2011. Work began in October 2011 and is set for completion in April 2014. The road has varying widths: in urban areas it is 11 metres wide, in villages it is 9 metres wide, and in non-residential areas it is 7 metres wide.

Adapted from : Latest Update February 18 - Vientiane Times, 2014 Log In

 

[Lone Rider]

Upgrade of Rd 6, 6a and 6B will take a bit more time as there is a cost overrun by US$21 million

The upgrade of roads 6A, 6B and 6 in the northern provinces of Huaphan and Xieng Khuang will be delayed to the end of this year as a further US$21 million is needed for the work. It was initially estimated that the project would cost about US$42.3 million, and the survey and design phase took place earlier this year.

Deputy Director of the Huaphan provincial Public Works and Transport Department, Mr Phonesouk Inthavong, told Vientiane Times on Monday that work on Road No. 6 has been delayed because of insufficient funding.
Of the US$42.3 million already earmarked, US$20 million will be sourced as a grant from the Asian Development Bank.

The Lao government will provide another US$10.3 million in the form of a low interest loan from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and will source the remaining US$12 million from its own budget.
The objective of the project is to straighten out some of the many bends on these roads and reduce the number of accidents. The roads will also be widened from 4 metres to 6 metres.
But it has been discovered that the 263km long Road No. 6, which begins in Kham district in Xieng Khuang province needs a lot more work than originally planned because the road is very old and narrow.
The road ends at the Namsoy international checkpoint at the Vietnam border in Viengxay district Huaphan province. Vietnam has asked Laos to make the road the same width as the road on the Vietnamese side of the border, which is between 7 and 9 metres wide, to facilitate transportation between the two countries. The Namsoy checkpoint is the main border crossing in Huaphan province.

“We are looking at potential sources for the additional funding and may ask a private company to provide the necessary capital. Then the government would repay them when construction is complete,” Mr Phonesouk said.
Work on roads 6A and 6B, which run from the Hanglong area to Xopbao district in Huaphan province, will begin at the end of this year. A concrete bridge will be built in Xopbao district to cross the Nam Ma River (now a ferry crossing - added by LR), as well as a road from Xopbao district to the Pahang Lao-Vietnamese border crossing (local crossing only - added by LR).

Huaphan province shares a 600km border with the Vietnamese provinces of Thanh Hoa, Son La and Nghe An. Huaphan is home to about 22 ethnicities, predominantly the Tai Khao, as well as the Tai Daeng, Tai Meuang, Tai Neua, Phou Noi, Hmong, Khmu and Vietnamese. About 50 percent of the people in Huaphan province are classified as living below the poverty line. Poverty is most severe in the remote districts of Xamtay, Viengthong, Xopbao and Huameuang.

By Khonesavanh Latsaphao
(Latest Update May 21, 2013)

Road 6 A in Huaphanh fully upgraded

(KPL) Road 6 A, connecting Sopbao and Ed Districts, Huaphanh Province in the far north-eastern corner of Laos, have been confirmed complete since an upgrade project began in mid-2011. Developers are currently focused on building seven bridges lying along the road, which is 62 km long. The building of the bridges is estimated at USD 5.30 million.



The road is part of a strategic development plan devised by the province to ensure its economic and connectivity integration into other northern provinces and Vietnam. The road runs through four districts, Viengxay, Sopbao, Xiengkhor and Ed. The upgrade, amounting to USD 6.75 million, has been funded with grant from the World Bank (70%) and a contribution from the Government (30%).

Source: Adapted from :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

 

[Lone Rider]

Work begins on the reconstruction of highway 13 North from Pak Mong (Luang Prabang) to Oudomxay

Oudomxay province : Reconstruction of Road No. 13 North between Oudomxay provincial capital to Pakmong in Luang Prabang province's Nambak district is underway following a stone-laying ceremony yesterday in Oudomxay. Chinese Yunnan Sunny Road and Bridge Co., Ltd. (YSRBC), and Third Railway Survey and Design Institute Group Corporation (TSDI) have been contracted to rebuild the 81.5 km section, working with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

The deal was inked on December 16, 2012. The US$82.5 million project will have a time frame of three years with Burapha Development Consultant as the supervisor. This is the first ever reconstruction of this section of road from Meuangxay-Pakmong since it was first built in 1976. The road will be constructed to a technically third class standard, while its sub-sections are to have different widths. A 73 km. sub-section from Pakmong to Oudomxay will be 7 metres wide and will have a 5-centimetre thick layer of asphalt. The road will be eight metres wide where it passes through villages. Some sections and connecting roads in Oudomxay provincial capital will be 12 to 18 metres wide and will be able to carry loads of up to 11 tonnes per axle. Sidewalks will also be installed on urban sections of the road.

Adapted from Vientiane Times

 

[Lone Rider]

NOTE: The Kasy to Mueang Nan road is being repaired at the moment and the road is closed to all traffic except construction vehicles from 7 am till 11 am and again from 1 pm to 5 pm. Travel is possible only from 11 am-1 pm and again after 5 pm. Not sure how long the repairs will take

Vientiane Times reports that the repairs of the Kasy to Mueang nan road have been finished and that there are no longer closures of the road:

Northern travel back to normal after Kasi-Nan road upgrade

Travel along the Kasi to Nan road leading to Luang Prabang and Xayaboury provinces is now trouble-free after some sections were closed for three months for repairs. The construction company has now almost finished the repair of the sections that were washed out in the rainy season last year, with only 100 metres still to be repaved. Head of the Public Works and Transport Office in Kasi district, Vientiane province, Mr Phan Namvong told Vientiane Times on Friday this section will be asphalted next year, after this year's rainy season.

 

[Lone Rider]

Road No13 North and 2W to be upgraded

(KPL) A signing ceremony of a parallel road construction to the Road No 13 North and 2W connecting Namo district-Say district to Beng district, Oudomsay province, was held in the province last Friday. Signatories to the document were authorities of Head of the Oudomsay Public Works and Transport Department, Mr. Kayakeo Vongsalavanh and President of the Sayphatthana Road-Bridge and Irrigation Construction Company, Mr. Khamchanh Yadouangchith. This road stretching over 64 km will be cleared and upgraded to its surface, for a total investment of 165 billion kip. The road is expected to be completed at the end of 2017. The construction was funded by the government.

Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

Not really sure where this road will be constructed as the article is very vague about it. According to the article it will connect Beng District with the Xay and Namor district so I assume that it will be a kind of shortcut from Road 2West to Road 13 North but bypassing the city of Oudomxay. Should be in Oudomxay in about 10 days or so and will try to find out more.

Checked it out and it is indeed a bypass road around Oudomxay city. It starts near the junction of Rd 13N and road 2W, passes Oudomxay on the south side and links with Rd 13N just past Ban Lak 4 on the west side of Oudomxay city. The road is still far from complete and it will take at least another year if not more to be completed as it seems that some of the local people and a few Chinese refuse to give up their land and homes.

The road is supposed to cut through this rubber plantation

and these buildings need to go

and once they have solved all these pesky problems, the bypass will look like this

 

[Lone Rider]

Saravan highway link with Road 13 nearing completion

Road 15A, which links Saravan provincial capital to Road No. 13 South in Napong village, Khongxedon district, is now 70 percent complete and is expected to be complete as scheduled in April this year. Head of the project in Saravan province, Mr Buachan Ouansavan, told Vientiane Times yesterday that the 70km road runs from the provincial capital through the districts of Saravan, Vapee and Khong, of which 30km is currently completed with asphalt pavement. “Our work is now on schedule and should be finished in April, while we also expect to organise a grand opening in June,” he said. He added that the total of 15 bridges are almost finished, of which only Samea bridge remains under construction but it is expected to be completed sometime early next month.

The project also includes work on asphalt sealing in six districts of the province, of which the two districts of Samuoy and Ta-oy are completed and the other four districts are expected to be finished in April, Mr Buachan said. He added that the water systems in five districts are also expected to be completed in May. The agreement for the new road was signed in April 2011. Work began in October 2011 and is set for completion in April 2014. The road has varying widths: in urban areas it is 11 metres wide, in villages it is 9 metres wide, and in non-residential areas it is 7 metres wide.

Adapted from : Latest Update February 18 - Vientiane Times, 2014 Log In

Almost ready but not quite yet. One by-pass around a village was still dirt and they were rebuilding one culvert but otherwise Rd 15A from Rd 13S west to Saravan is now completely sealed. They still need to put the final layer on the road on some places but otherwise it was quite OK. Not sure how long the road will stay good as I saw several heavy cement trucks from the cement factory north of Saravane transporting cement to Rd 13S and they most probably will "sink" though the pavement as they did on Rd 15 from Saravane to the Vietnam border.

One of the many new bridges

 

[Lone Rider]

Road 11 extended to the South

Phase one of the concrete Road No. 11 South construction project from the Phao village junction to the Mark Heo-Nong Bouathong villages junction in Pakngum district, Vientiane is about 20 percent complete. The district public works and transport office believes the 32.5 kilometres of road to be constructed in phase one will be finished in 2017 after beginning last year. More than 10 villages in Pakngum district will benefit from the project, the district public works and transport office Head, Mr Khambay Bouthsaba, told Vientiane Times.

Picture by Lone Rider

The cost of phase one is around US$53 million, which is being funded from the government's budget, Mr Khambay said. For the rest of the project the Fongsamouth Road and Bridge Construction Company, which is developing the road, will invest their funds first then the government will repay them from 2015-2020, Mr Khambay said. The road surface will be nine metres wide from Phao village to Nonxai village and eight metres from Nonxai village to the Mark Heo- Nong Bouathong villages junction. The project is a strategic road or National Road of Vientiane, which connects with Road No. 13 south and Thadeu Road. In total Road No 11 South is about 65km in length and runs from the first Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge, Hadxaifong district and Phao village on Road No. 13 South. Phase two, which will connect the Mark Heo-Nong Bouathong villages junction and Thadeu Road, may raise funding from the Asian Development Bank, Mr Khambay said.

Adapted from Vientiane Times

Note LR: This new part of road 11 appears to running more or less parallel to Rd 13S but closer to and along the Mekong