A new bridge and tunnel will be built at An Phú intersection in HCM City's District 2 to reduce traffic congestion. — Photo sggp.com.vn

HCM CITY — A new bridge and tunnel at An Phú intersection in HCM City's District 2 are expected to reduce traffic congestion in the area. 

The city’s People Committee has directed responsible units to use the State budget for the first stage of construction.

The two-way tunnel with four lanes will connect Mai Chí Thọ Street with the Long Thành-Dầu Giây Expressway.

Total investment for the two projects is VNĐ1 trillion (US$45.2 million).

Traffic jams often occur at the An Phú intersection, which connects Mai Chí Thọ Street and HCM City-Long Thành-Dầu Giây Expressway near the Cát Lái Port.

The Mai Chí Thọ route from Hà Nội Highway to the intersection has four lanes for each side, two for four-wheel vehicles, and two for motorbikes.

Congestion at An Phú intersection often occurs because of heavy traffic on the route, especially during rush hour.

In 2017, the transport department asked for approval from the Ministry of Transport to build the tunnel and bridge to reduce traffic pressure on the route to Cát Lái Port and the Long Thành-Dầu Giây Expressway.

Last year, the beginning of the expressway from Mai Chí Thọ Street to Bà Dạt Bridge was expanded with more 3.5 metre on each side.

In addition, the department opened other 3.5 metre lanes from Mai Chí Thọ Street to the expressway and to Nguyễn Thị Định Street.

However, these solutions did not significantly reduce congestion. — VNS