The Race to Complete Ho Chi Minh City’s Transport Infrastructure Revolution

Escaping the “Near Yet Far” Scenario

After years of anticipation, the Long Phuoc road upgrade project, a route that breaks the monopoly on connections to the eastern island of Ho Chi Minh City, has finally been completed, much to the delight of its residents. The new infrastructure provides easier access and shortens the journey to Long Binh ward and the center of Thu Duc city.

Due to the island’s geography, divided by canals and Tac River (a branch of the Dong Nai River), traveling has long been a challenge for Long Phuoc ward residents. To get to the center of Thu Duc city, they had to take a roundabout route via Nguyen Xien – Long Thuan streets and cross the Go Cong, Trao Trao, and Truong Phuoc bridges. The new Long Phuoc road offers a much more convenient option.

“It used to be incredibly difficult; Long Phuoc ward was like an island, and the roads were treacherous. There was even a time when people had to travel by boat,” shared Mr. Nguyen Van Luc, a 64-year-old local. “This road has been long-awaited, as it connects Thu Duc city and Long Phuoc ward, making travel more convenient. It also promotes development, modernity, and improves the locals’ living standards.”

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, Director of the Project Management Unit for Thu Duc city’s construction investments, shared that while the investment level was not high, the upgraded Long Phuoc road has given the area a new look.

“The project’s completion was made possible thanks to the consensus and support of the affected locals. Along with the Long Dai bridge, the upgraded Long Phuoc road connects the wards of Long Phuoc and Long Binh. Additionally, this route helps alleviate the ever-increasing traffic pressure in Thu Duc city,” said Mr. Tuan.

This is one of the many projects that Ho Chi Minh City has completed for its citizens in the second half of 2024. Earlier, another project, the widening of Ten Lua Street in Binh Tan District, was also put into use without an official inauguration ceremony. The once pothole-ridden street with puddles has now been transformed into a sleek and modern road. The project was completed just in time for the new school year and was considered a gift to the teachers and students of Binh Tri Dong B Secondary School.

15 Projects Completed by Year-End

While these projects may not have large investment amounts or grand scales, they hold great significance for the locals. According to the Ho Chi Minh City Transport Works Construction Investment Management Board (HCMC Transport Board), the city will complete and put into use many important transport projects and works in the remaining months of 2024. Notable examples include component projects of the An Phu traffic hub, such as the completion of the Giong Ong To Bridge (September), Ba Dat Bridge (October), and HC1-01 tunnel (December); the Tran Quoc Hoan – Cong Hoa road project in the airport area; the Nguyen Van Linh – Nguyen Huu Tho intersection project’s HC2 underpass branch; the National Highway 50 parallel road, Nam Ly bridge, and more.

In the past, investors and contractors have made tremendous efforts, working through holidays and even in three shifts, to ensure the early completion and operation of these projects for the benefit of the people:

“A total of 15 projects will be completed and put into use for the people. Notably, the remaining tunnel branch of the Nguyen Van Linh – Nguyen Huu Tho underground road will be opened to traffic, and the Tran Quoc Hoan – Cong Hoa road project will be completed and opened to traffic. In addition, Duong Quang Ham, Tan Ky – Tan Quy, Tan Ky – Tan Quy Bridge, Phuoc Long Bridge, Rach Dia Bridge, Nam Ly Bridge, a unit of Tang Long Bridge, Ong Bon Bridge, and some other projects will also be completed. We are determined to finish them as soon as possible to serve the people of Ho Chi Minh City,” shared Mr. Luong Minh Phuc, Director of the HCMC Transport Board.

Along with these projects, the first metro line (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) is expected to be officially put into commercial operation by the end of 2024, after a long wait. The transportation landscape of Ho Chi Minh City will undoubtedly change for the better, and the people will soon reap the benefits.