Many transport projects in HCM City that will be completed or will start construction this year are expected to ease traffic congestion and contribute to the development of the city. — Photo tuoitre.vn

HCM CITY — HCM City authorities are planning to complete or start key transport infrastructure projects this year in an aim to reduce traffic congestion and develop connections between the city and neighbouring provinces.

Lương Minh Phúc, director of the city's Management Board for Traffic Works Construction and Investment, said the city is expected to complete 29 traffic projects and start construction for 27 new traffic projects this year.

According to the city’s Department of Transport, the city plans to put into use 81km of new roads and 18 bridges this year. 

In particular, the An Sương tunnel at An Sương intersection in District 12 will be completed in June. The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion in the northern area of the city.

In addition, the Thủ Thiêm Bridge No 2 project is slated to be put into use in the third quarter of the year. The bridge will shorten the travel time from District 1 to District 2 and help ease congestion on Tôn Đức Thắng and Nguyễn Hữu Cảnh streets.

Nguyễn Vĩnh Ninh, deputy director of the city’s transport project management board, said that a contractor for Hoàng Hoa Thám and Cộng Hòa street expansion projects had been selected.

Both projects will be kicked off in the second and third quarters of this year, according to the People’s Committee of Tân Bình District. They are expected to help reduce traffic congestion in areas near Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport.

Traffic connections between HCM City and neighbouring provinces play an important role in the economic development of the southern area. Since traffic congestion is the main cause for the high costs of transporting goods between the city and provinces, the HCM City authority plans to complete the belt road No 2 linking provinces and cities this year.

Trần Quang Lâm, director of the city’s Transport Department, said priority would be given to belt road, highway, and urban railway projects. If projects are completed, traffic congestion will be eased and city development will be strengthened. — VNS