Ho Chi Minh City Expands Key Road to Ease Traffic and Flooding

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In a significant stride towards improving urban congestion and infrastructure, a section of Chu Van An Street in Binh Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, has been dramatically widened. Over the past six months, this project, which aims to alleviate persistent traffic jams and flooding issues, has expanded the road to four times its original size, now stretching from 5-6 metres to a substantial 23 metres.

Funded with over VND1 trillion (approximately 1.3 billion Thai Baht) from the state budget, this urban improvement began in February and is slated for completion by November. Managed by local authorities, it includes the installation of new drainage systems, lighting, and landscaping, transforming the 600-metre stretch from Binh Hoa Intersection to the Phan Chu Trinh junction into a vital thoroughfare with four lanes.

The challenge of land reclamation saw over 14,000 square metres acquired, impacting 166 households. While 11 families faced full relocation, 155 others contributed partial property for the greater good. These efforts have been supported by nearly VND982 billion (about 1.28 billion Thai Baht) directed towards land clearance costs.

Progress has been steady as the construction team advances with installing drainage pipes and laying gravel. Workers have been busy levelling the ground to ensure better drainage and reduce incidents of flooding, which has been a frequent issue, particularly after heavy rains such as the downpour on 5th August.

Despite some challenges with timely implementation—such as dangling power lines still waiting to be relocated—significant developments are evident. A section of the road has already been paved, and renovations are underway for numerous homes along the path, making way for the road's expansion.

Do Xuan Nam, a local coffee shop proprietor, remarked on the project's dual impact. "I'm happy the road is being widened, but the slow progress is affecting my business," he said, after having to move his shop’s frontage back by 8 metres.

Chu Van An Street, nearly 2 km in length, is a critical conduit in Binh Thanh, linking major streets like Dinh Bo Linh, Phan Chu Trinh, and Phan Van Tri within the dense inner areas of Ho Chi Minh City. The notorious bottleneck from Binh Hoa Intersection to Phan Chu Trinh Street should soon see relief, with the improvements promising to ease daily commutes and enhance business conditions.

Overall, this project embodies a crucial step forward in addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges in one of Vietnam’s busiest cities, aiming to deliver a smoother and more sustainable urban environment for residents and businesses alike.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-08-18