Works of the expressway La Son-Tuy Loan, crossing Bach Ma National Park, a peak hiking destination, is now 99% complete, a board representative said.

However, the project is still awaiting approval from the State Council for pre-acceptance testing of the construction work before it can be opened to traffic.

It was previously scheduled to enter service last year, but was delayed as sections of the highway were eroded due to the impacts of historic flooding in central Vietnam.

The 77.5 kilometer highway cost nearly 11.5 trillion VND ($ 495 million) and was built to reduce traffic congestion along the existing National Highway 1 and promote economic development in the central region.

Construction of the project started in 2015, but has been repeatedly delayed due to land acquisition issues and adverse weather conditions.

It stretches between the intersection of La Son of Loc Son commune, Huong Thuy district of Thua Thien-Hue and Tuy Loan village of Hoa Vang district of Da Nang.

More than 11 kilometers of the highway passes through Bach Ma National Park, a popular destination in Thua Thien-Hue province, home to the tourist center of Hue. The park covers more than 37,000 hectares and rises 1,450 meters above sea level at its highest point. Rich in biodiversity, the park attracts hikers with its lush forests, waterfalls and lakes.