Upgrade work on the second phase of the Upper Egypt-Red Sea road is expected to begin this year in Egypt at a reported cost of EGP1.6bn ($278m).

The upgrade will involve converting the road into two lanes, according to Daily News Egypt.

The second phase of the road project will be funded by the state and carried out by Hassan Allam Holding over 30 months.

The 414km road from Sohag to Safaga Port is intended to connect industrial zones with other regions in Upper Egypt.

The new route links roads to previously inaccessible areas and covers the hilly and mountainous regions of the Eastern Plateau.