HÀ NỘI — The construction of An Dương-Thanh Niên overpass, a key project in Hà Nội, lags behind schedule with many parts incomplete, causing serious traffic congestion for vehicles passing through this route.

The construction of the overpass began last October with a total cost of VNĐ311 billion (US$9.3 million). As planned, the overpass will have seven spans that are 30, 45 and 60 metres long depending on the position. It was expected to be complete by July to reduce traffic congestion in Ba Đình and Tây Hồ districts.

However, on August 5, many parts of the project remain incomplete, and the first span among the seven is still under construction. Pedestrians have been seen walking on the road as the pavement is full of construction materials. Vehicles have been lining up along Nghi Tàm, moving slowly on the three-metre-wide road.

Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng, a resident on Nghi Tàm said that the project has seriously impacted the lives of local residents and the traffic flow along the Yên Phụ - Nghi Tàm route. 

Trucks were spraying dirt and stones onto homes and polluting the air. The sewage systems were clogged in rainy weather, causing annoyance to residents, he added.

Ngô Mạnh Tuấn, deputy director of the city’s Department of Transport told baogiaothong.vn that the department has asked the contractors of the project to speed up the construction progress. It has worked with local police to divide lanes to ensure traffic flow during peak hours.

The department would ban all vehicles along Yên Phụ and use other roads to curb traffic congestion.

Đặng Hữu Dũng, chief inspector of Tây Hồ District’s Traffic Inspection Team said the team has divided into two groups to guide vehicles to move in different directions to avoid congestion at peak hours.

Previously, on July 3, Hà Nội People’s Committee has reprimanded and urged the contractors to complete the overpass, which was one month behind schedule.

Chairman of the committee Nguyễn Đức Chung asked the contractors to sign a commitment to complete each part of the project on time. Violations during the construction process will be recorded. — VNS