Ho Chi Minh City's $80 million Nguyen Thi Dinh Street expansion nears completion

The ambitious project to widen Nguyen Thi Dinh Street in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is visibly taking shape, with significant portions now asphalted. The total investment for this crucial infrastructure upgrade exceeds 2,000 billion VND (approximately $80 million USD).

Recent observations show that many sections of the street have been newly paved, presenting a much-improved appearance. However, numerous utility poles remain directly on the road surface, posing a safety concern. Temporary measures, including red and white markings, barriers, and concrete dividers, have been implemented to guide traffic safely around these obstacles while awaiting their permanent relocation.

In early July, the People's Committee of Cat Lai Ward successfully handed over 100% of the cleared land for the project to the investor. This involved acquiring 360 land records covering over 47,000 square meters. Securing the entire land area is expected to significantly accelerate construction progress and facilitate the necessary relocation of medium and low-voltage power lines.

The Nguyen Thi Dinh Street expansion aims to widen the existing 6-8 meter road to a 30-meter, six-lane thoroughfare. This vital artery connects the An Phu and My Thuy interchanges and is anticipated to significantly reduce traffic jams, especially for vehicles accessing Cat Lai port. The project, which officially commenced in April 2025, is slated for completion in June 2026. The total cost includes over 1,781 billion VND for compensation and land clearance, with construction costs accounting for approximately 253.9 billion VND. Residents, like 70-year-old Ngoc Anh, express optimism, recalling the previous narrowness and frequent congestion, and welcoming the improvements that promise better traffic flow, aesthetics, and increased property values.