Le Hoang Quan, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City, met with representatives of relevant departments on August 15 to discuss management of the Saigon River Tunnel and handling of traffic violations to ensure safety in the tunnel.
The Department of Transport reported that from the date the tunnel opened to traffic, no traffic congestions have occurred in and around the tunnel and the traffic situation in the tunnel has been stable.
However, 41 cases of traffic accidents that injured 13 people have been reported so far. Also, as per regulations, motorcycles are allowed inside the tunnel from 6am to 9pm, but some motorcyclists are still seen using the tunnel after 9pm on car lanes, causing traffic safety concerns.
To avoid unfortunate incidents and to ensure traffic order and safety in the tunnel, the City Department of Transport has proposed that the City Committee direct police to review, and strictly handle motorbike drivers and owners who deliberately and repeatedly violate regulations.
Besides, the police must intensify patrolling and not permit trucks and other such means of transport to pass through the tunnel, especially during banned hours. The tunnel management board should prohibit trucks transporting dangerous materials such as inflammable or toxic substances that could cause a spill on the road.
There should be additional cameras and more investment in upgrading the traffic system, information sharing, speed monitoring devices, etc. The Department of Transport also proposed to the City Committee to early enable the collection of traffic fees and charges for use of the tunnel.
Regarding the treatment of leaks in the ceiling of the tunnel, Luong Minh Phuc, head of Investment Management, said there are mild water infiltration stains, within limits of standards in the contract specification and have been tested.
Seepage repairs to treat water infiltration spots proposed by the consultants have been accepted by the Council including, drilling holes, installing pumps, pumping repellents, removing the pumps, then surface cleaning in the leaking zones.
At present, the repair and anti infiltration works are being carried out along with maintenance and the periodic maintenance by the contractors, and expected to be completed this August.
After repairs, the infiltration spots will be further tested and monitored and results will be reported to the Council.
At the meeting, Chairman Le Hoang Quan directed the Department of Transport, Center for Tunnel Operation, the Management Board for Construction and Investment for HCMC Urban Traffic, to review the design and all relevant areas of the tunnel. At the same time relevant units have to continue to monitor and review all technical faults to ensure quality of works as designed are maintained.
