Highway 28B Upgrades to Connect Đà Lạt with Coast Delayed to April 2026
Major Coastal Connection Project Faces Extended Timeline
The ambitious upgrade of National Highway 28B, the vital link connecting our beloved Đà Lạt with the coastal city of Phan Thiết, has been pushed back once again. According to Tuổi Trẻ, the project management team now commits to completion by April 2026, marking another delay for this crucial transportation artery.
For those of us who regularly travel between the cool highlands and the warm coast, this news hits close to home. The 68-kilometer route represents more than just infrastructure—it's our gateway to the sea, the path that brings coastal visitors to experience Đà Lạt's unique charm.
Progress Update from the Mountain Passes
Lê Văn Chung, Deputy Director of Project Management Board 5, reported significant progress on the Đại Ninh Pass section, where contractors are currently laying stone aggregate. Most encouraging is that another bridge on this treacherous mountain pass will open this March, leaving only Bridge No. 4 at the sharp curve incomplete.
"The Bridge No. 4 location has encountered complex geological conditions requiring technical adjustments," Chung explained to reporters. This challenging terrain is familiar to anyone who has navigated these winding mountain roads that separate our plateau from the coastal plains.
Lowland Challenges Slow Progress
The most significant delays occur in the 10-kilometer stretch from the Song Binh Industrial Zone intersection toward National Highway 1 in Luong Son commune. According to the project management board, this section faced complications with land clearance and utility infrastructure conflicts—common challenges when upgrading roads through densely populated areas.
Contractors only recently gained full access to begin intensive construction after local authorities completed land handovers before Tết. The 1.400 trillion VND project, originally scheduled for 2025 completion, now targets April 2026 for full operation.
Impact on Đà Lạt's Tourism and Trade
This highway upgrade holds special significance for our city's economy. The improved route will slash travel time to coastal destinations, potentially boosting tourism flows in both directions while enhancing freight transport efficiency for our famous agricultural products reaching southern markets.