The Ministry of Construction (MoC) has expressed support for the early implementation of the Pleiku - Le Thanh Expressway project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, provided that the local government can secure the necessary capital to ensure the project's full execution, according to a report by the Government News.
According to the MoC, the Pleiku - Le Thanh Expressway (designated as CT.20), which connects central Gia Lai province's Pleiku ward with the Le Thanh International Border Gate in the same province, is already included in the Road Network Plan for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision toward 2050. Under this plan, the investment was originally slated to take place after 2030.
However, the planning framework also specifies that the project may be considered for earlier investment (before 2030) if the local authorities can successfully mobilize the required resources.
Previously, the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee proposed the investment with a total length of over 54 km. The starting point will connect to the endpoint of the Quy Nhon - Pleiku Expressway, while the endpoint will intersect with National Highway 19 in the Le Thanh Border Gate area of Ia Dom Commune.
The proposed project scale includes four complete lanes, a roadbed width of 24.75 m, and a design speed of 100 km/h. The project will feature five grade-separated interchanges and one at-grade junction at the end of the route.
With this plan, the preliminary total investment is estimated at over VND17 trillion (over $650 million). The project is proposed to follow the PPP model, in which private investors would mobilize approximately 30% of the capital, while the State budget would provide 70% in support.
If approved by the competent authorities, the Pleiku - Le Thanh Expressway is expected to undergo investment preparation in 2026–2027, with construction commencing and reaching basic completion before 2030.
According to the Provincial People's Committee, once completed, the route will finalize a transport corridor connecting Central Vietnam's seaports to the Le Thanh International Border Gate.
This will enhance internal connectivity within the Central Highlands and expand links between the region and the Central Coast, as well as with Laos and Cambodia. The project is expected to create a major development driver for the western part of Gia Lai Province and the entire Central Highlands region.
Furthermore, the expressway will connect synchronously with other ongoing and upcoming expressway projects in the region, such as Quy Nhon - Pleiku, Khanh Hoa - Buon Ma Thuot, Quang Ngai - Kon Tum, Phu Yen - Dak Lak, and the North-South Expressway (Eastern segment).
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