A map of the planned Ring Road No 2 project in HCM City. — Photo courtesy of HCM City Department of Planning and Architecture

HCM CITY — Investment for two sections of the Ring Road No 2 project, with total capital of VNĐ14.6 trillion (US$639 million), is expected to be approved by the HCM City Council soon. 

The two sections are part of a 14-kilometre stretch that has yet to start construction. The first section will cost VNĐ9.2 trillion (US$397 million) and run from Phú Hữu Bridge in District 9 to Hà Nội Highway in Thủ Đức District, at 3.5km long and 67m wide.

It will have six lanes and an overpass under Metro Line No 1 that is still under construction.

The second section will start from the first section to Phạm Văn Đồng intersection in Thủ Đức District and will be 2km long. It will cost VNĐ5.6 trillion (US$242 million), and have six lanes and an overpass.

For the remaining eight kilometres of the Ring Road, the city is making plans to raise funds and divide it into two more sections, completing the sixty four kilometres of the Ring Road through the districts of Bình Chánh, 7, 9, and Thủ Đức.

According to the city’s Department of Transportation, the entire Ring Road No 2 will be more than 64km long. Around fifty kilometres has received investment so far.

Ring Road No 2 is expected to reduce traffic congestion and the number of vehicles entering HCM City. As the road is linked to the HCM City-Long Thành –Dầu Giây Expressway and Ring Road No 3 and Ring Road No 4, this essential road will help form a connecting route between neighbouring provinces and minimise congestion in the city’s entrances.

The waiting time for site clearance for the project has been two to three times longer than expected, according to the transport department.

Ring Road No 2 was scheduled to be completed in 2015. The delay has contributed to worsening traffic congestion in the city as well as between the city and southern provinces.

Municipal authorities are determined to speed up this project this year to its completion. 

The People’s Committee of Thủ Đức District is cooperating with related units to fulfill the site clearance tasks and offer guidance about accommodations to concerned citizens who must move to make way for the project. — VNS