Aerial view of the Mai Dịch-South Thăng Long section of Hà Nội’s Ring Road No.3 which was officially opened to traffic on Sunday. — VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hùng

HÀ NỘI — The Mai Dịch-South Thăng Long section of Hà Nội’s Ring Road No 3, built using an official development assistance loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), was opened to traffic on Sunday after two years and four months of construction. 

The Hanoi City Ring Road No.3 Construction Project (Mai Dịch-South Thăng Long Section) aims to construct a high-standard inner-city expressway in the western section, connecting the Mai Dịch intersection and the South Thăng Long intersection of Ring Road No 3 which links northern and northeastern provinces, industrial zones and Nội Bài International Airport with the city centre. 

Addressing the section’s inauguration ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hoà Bình highlighted the significance of the project, which contributes to completing the 65km Hà Nội Ring Road No 3, helping to ease traffic congestion in the west of Hà Nội and forming a complete traffic network connecting northern localities with Hà Nội as well as Red River delta localities.

He lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Transport and the Thăng Long project management board as well as contractors in conducting the project while hailing Hà Nội authorities work in ground clearance for the project.

JICA and the Government signed a loan agreement worth 20,591 million yen in 2013 to implement the project which started construction in 2018.

With the opening of the Mai Dịch-South Thăng Long Section, the development of the ring road that can bypass the city centre is completed, helping reduce traffic congestion for the city centre and to promote logistical efficiency.

Earlier on October 6, a section of Hà Nội Ring Road No 3 spanning Linh Đàm Lake and slip roads connecting the section with overpasses were opened to traffic. The project was approved in October 2018 and cost a total of VNĐ341 billion. — VNS