New bridge helps ease the traffic congestion at the National Universtiy intersection in HCM City. — Photo sggp.org

HCM CITY —  New bridges and roads have helped ease the traffic congestion that used to occur frequently in some areas in HCM City.

For instance, National Highway 1A and the Hà Nội Highway have the highest vehicle density in the country, with cargo vehicles from Cát Lái and Sài Gòn Ports and industrial zones in Bình Dương, Đồng Nai and Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu provinces routinely traversing them.

With over 100,000 vehicles carrying more than 40 per cent of the volume of goods transported nation-wide using them, the two highways are always congested.

Traffic outside the Suối Tiên Tourist Area had become a nightmare, especially during weekends and holidays.

To address the congestion in the eastern gateway, the city built the intersection at National University of HCM City.

The 1.8km-project included expansion of National Highway 1 and construction of two open tunnels, two overpasses and two pedestrian bridges, starting from the gate of the Suối Tiên Tourist Area to the new Miền Đông Bus Station.

In the city’s north-western gateway, the An Sương Tunnel has been under construction since January 2017. A portion has opened to traffic.

Ease traffic congestion

The city plans a series of infrastructure works to effectively ease traffic pressure at other congested hot spots.

To address the frequent traffic jams at the Nguyễn Văn Linh - Nguyễn Hữu Thọ Intersection in District 7, project management board of the HCM City Transport Construction Investment Unit is waiting for the Department of Transport’s feedback on detailed construction plan.

Funding plans for the VNĐ830 billion work have been approved by the city People’s Committee.

Flyovers will be built outside Miền Đông Bus Station in District 9, and both bidding and construction will be done this year.

Two subways and a pedestrian bridge will also be built.

Besides these two key works, the board also plans to carry out six others, including widening of national highways 1, 13, 22, and 50 and construction of the An Phú Intersection in District 2. — VNS