Expressway Gridlocked from Long Thanh to An Phu; Traffic Police Advise National Highway 1

The Phan Thiet - Dau Giay expressway, a vital artery for travelers returning to Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai province, became a scene of significant gridlock on May 2nd. Following the recent holidays, a surge in vehicles heading towards these urban centers overwhelmed the expressway, creating traffic jams that extended for kilometers. The situation was exacerbated by a series of accidents, turning what should be a smooth journey into a frustrating crawl for thousands of drivers.

Witnesses described vehicles moving at a snail's pace, with drivers expressing exhaustion after prolonged periods stuck in traffic. Congestion was particularly severe at key interchanges, toll plazas, and entry/exit points. Despite efforts by traffic police to manage the flow at various intersections, the sheer volume of vehicles, far exceeding expectations, made clearing the backlog a formidable challenge.

Compounding the issue, heavy and prolonged rainfall added another layer of difficulty to the already strained situation. Authorities, through the specialized High-Speed Road Traffic Police Team No. 6, are actively managing the situation. However, they are now strongly recommending that drivers consider National Highway 1 as an alternative to ease the pressure on the expressway. They also urge drivers to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, and drive cautiously, especially in the rainy conditions, to prevent further incidents and ensure safety on the roads.

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Drivers need to proactively consider alternative routes such as National Highway 1 to reduce traffic pressure on the expressway, slow down, avoid sudden braking when driving in the rain, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front to handle unexpected situations promptly, and observe carefully when changing lanes, only overtaking when conditions are safe and in accordance with regulations.