Evaluation of Investment Efficiency in Eastern and Mekong Delta Expressway Projects : Traffic Safety and Environmental Impact Analysis

Abstract

The evaluation of expressway projects in the Mekong Delta and Eastern regions of Vietnam focuses on assessing the effectiveness of investments in terms of traffic safety and environmental impact under current climate change conditions. The primary objective is to analyze accident rates, assess the quality and availability of construction materials, and examine the environmental consequences of these infrastructure projects. The methodology employs a multi-criteria evaluation approach, integrating data from traffic incident reports, environmental impact assessments, and material quality tests. Results indicate a significant reduction in traffic accidents, with the rate decreasing from 5.2 to 3.1 incidents per 100 million vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT). However, environmental assessments reveal notable adverse impacts, including a 30% increase in water turbidity and a 20% reduction in local fish populations. Material quality evaluations show that 30% of soil samples and 50% of sand samples failed to meet required standards, leading to increased project costs by approximately 20%. The study concludes that while the investment in expressway projects has enhanced traffic safety, there are critical environmental and material quality issues that need to be addressed. Recommendations include implementing advanced traffic management systems, improving road safety measures, conducting rigorous environmental impact assessments, and securing high-quality construction materials from alternative sources. Addressing these challenges is essential for the success of future expressway projects, ensuring both economic growth and environmental sustainability.