[4] Construction of the first section began at the end of 2018 and was initially scheduled to finish in 2021, but was already completed on 20 December 2020.

[5][6] The road shortens the trip by 43 km compared with the existing Route 13.

[7] Speeds on the expressway are designated at 120 km per hour on flat terrain from Sikeut village to in Vientiane Prefecture, and 80 km per hour through the more mountainous section between Phonhong and Vang Vieng Districts.

[3][8] The road includes double tunnels measuring almost 900 m (3,000 ft) through Phoupha Mountain.

[8] The Lao government has approved the construction of the second section from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, with a length of 137 km (85 mi).