Ho Chi Minh City Considers Elevated Highway to Combat Traffic Gridlock

Ho Chi Minh City is grappling with persistent traffic congestion, particularly along the Trường Chinh - Cộng Hòa axis near Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport. In response, Phát Đạt Real Estate Development Corporation has submitted a proposal to the Department of Finance for an elevated highway project. This ambitious undertaking aims to significantly ease the daily gridlock that plagues this vital gateway to the city's northwestern entrance.

The proposed elevated road would stretch approximately 11 kilometers, connecting the An Sương intersection to the Nguyễn Thái Sơn roundabout. The project's estimated investment stands at a substantial 15.710 trillion VND. The plan involves constructing the elevated route above existing infrastructure, including Trường Chinh, Cộng Hòa, Trường Sơn, and Hồng Hà streets, designed for speeds up to 80 km/h with a cross-section width of up to 60 meters.

Currently, the Trường Chinh - Cộng Hòa corridor faces immense traffic pressure due to a high volume of vehicles exceeding the road's capacity. Compounding the issue are ongoing construction projects, such as Metro Line 2 on Trường Chinh and road upgrades on Phạm Văn Bạch, which further restrict traffic flow, especially at key intersections. The area around Tân Sơn Nhất Airport has seen previous infrastructure improvements like overpasses, but these have not sufficiently addressed the persistent overcrowding.

This elevated highway proposal represents a significant effort to tackle a long-standing urban mobility challenge. By creating a dedicated, high-speed route, the project seeks to 'rescue' the area from its chronic traffic jams, improving daily commutes for residents and facilitating smoother transportation of goods. The success of such a large-scale infrastructure project would be a major development for the city's connectivity and economic activity.