National Highway 13 Sees Over 40% Drop in Accidents After Traffic Management Overhaul

National Highway 13, a critical artery connecting Ho Chi Minh City to the former Binh Duong province, has seen a significant reduction in traffic accidents and congestion thanks to a series of 'non-construction' traffic management solutions. For years, this route was a hotspot for accidents. In response, authorities implemented measures beyond physical expansion projects to enhance safety and traffic capacity.

Key interventions included reconfiguring lanes to separate large vehicles like trucks and containers from two-wheeled vehicles. The authorities also adjusted lane markings and installed mobile barriers. These changes have led to a noticeable decrease in accidents, fatalities, and injuries. In the first four months of 2026, the highway recorded 7 accidents resulting in 6 deaths and 2 injuries, a marked improvement from the same period in 2025, which saw 12 accidents, 10 deaths, and 7 injuries.

Specific improvements were made at problematic areas. At the Ong Bo bridge, traffic signal control was replaced by mobile barriers installed under the bridge to prevent conflicts from merging traffic. The Ong Dau bridge, a notorious bottleneck, was widened by approximately 2.5 meters, easing congestion. Additionally, mobile barriers were installed at the intersection of National Highway 13 and Road 4M. Lane expansions were also achieved by improving sections of box culverts near the Law University of Ho Chi Minh City campus.

These adjustments aim to create a safer and more efficient flow of traffic on this vital urban corridor. The ongoing expansion and upgrade of National Highway 13, particularly the section through former Binh Duong, further contribute to increasing its traffic capacity.