Tanmixay-Sikeuth road upgrade delayed by nine months

The upgrade of the 9.4-kilometre road from the Tanmixay crossroads in Xaythany district to Sikeuth junction in Naxaithong district, Vientiane, is likely to require a nine-month extension as work is running behind schedule.
The project is one of the capital’s priorities in terms of infrastructure development as the improved road will enable more traffic to bypass the congested city centre. It will provide an alternative route for heavy trucks travelling between the northern and southern provinces, and going from Vientiane to the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.
When finished, the road will also improve conditions for local vendors and residents. It connects Road No. 13 North, 450 Road and Kaysone Phomvihane Avenue via the National University of Laos.
Project Director Houmphan Duangphadeth told Vientiane Times on Wednesday they plan to extend the project agreement by nine months and have submitted a proposal to the Vientiane authorities for approval.
The project was scheduled for completion in October last year, but work has been delayed partly due to financial difficulties.
“It also took longer than expected to remove all of the obstacles that were impeding construction, remove electricity cables and negotiate with people living along the road,” Mr Houmphan said.
 “The road is over 55 percent complete. We are preparing to grade and surface the road from the Sikeuth junction to Nongbeuk village and expect to finish this work in July,” he added.
Work on the road began in October 2016 with a project cost of US$45.1 million (about 367 billion kip including interest).
The Tangchaleun Group Co., Ltd. is paying the total amount upfront and the government will reimburse the company at a later date.
The government will repay the company over a period of seven years with the interest rate set at 3.5 percent per annum.
The completed road will be 28 metres wide with six lanes, a median strip, pavements and drainage. Traffic lights will also be installed.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update January 31, 2019)