Upgrades to a road linking the central province of Phu Yen and the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai began in Dong Xuan district, Phu Yen province on July 6.

As a life-line route between the Central Highlands and central coastal localities, the road will facilitate socio-economic development as well as ensure their national defence and security.

The upgrades will encompass 56.7 kilometres of 5.5-metre-wide roads and include 15 bridges, costing more than 4.66 trillion VND (217.85 million USD) from Government bonds.

The project is expected to be completed in July 2018.-VNA