Laos link, contract awarded

The contract for the US$200 million Vientiane Expressway No 1 project in Laos has been awarded. The 15km road will connect the Thatluang Marsh Specific Economic Zone on the outskirts of capital Vientane with Dongmakkhai, which lies to the north of the city. The build-operate-transfer road concession was awarded to Vientiane Expressway Number 1 Sole Company of Laos and is for a 50 year period. The deal comes with the option of an extension to the period. The new expressway is intended to improve journey times for drivers, cutting congestion on the Kamphaengmeuang and Kaysone Phomvihane roads.