The main routes through Southern HCMC are made up of streets that were formed long ago, such as Nguyen Van Linh, Nguyen Van Cu, Pham Hung, or the old bridges that lead into Le Van Luong street. The essence of HCMC’s transport infrastructure lies in these streets.
According to the proposal of the Department of Transport, the city should continue to focus on key transport infrastructure projects connecting the Southern areas with other parts of the city, creating a synchronous network to promote national socio-economic development.
Planned-out sequence of development
Regarding land transport, the Department of Transport urges to complete all projects with available investment or are already underway. Constructions on the agenda includes upgradation of Huynh Tan Phat and Nguyen Huu Tho streets, expansion of Huynh Tan Phat - Luu Trong Lu junction, and construction of 3 new bridges leading onto Le Van Luong street, as well as Nguyen Van Linh - Nguyen Huu Tho junction.
Additionally, proposals for investment in several projects are being pushed forward, namely the construction of Nguyen Khoai bridge connecting districts 1, 4 and 7, Rach Doi bridge leading to Le Van Luong street, Nhon Duc - Phuoc Loc extended road, overhead bridges above Nguyen Van Linh - Pham Hung junction and Nguyen Van Linh - Highway 50 junction. A plan to upgrade a part of Highway 50 is also being discussed.
Subsequentially, city officials have prompted the acceleration of projects that utilize public-private partnership investment. The constructions at issue include Binh Tien road bridge, stage 3 of North-South main road, Le Van Luong street, section 4 of Ring road 2, Phu Xuan 2B Bridge, Road 15B, Thu Thiem 4 bridge, and Can Gio bridge to replace Binh Khanh ferry. The expansion of Nguyen Van Linh street from Nguyen Thi Thap to Huynh Tan Phat is also planned for this stage of investment.
For railways, the Department of Transport will coordinate with the Urban Railway Management Board to call for investment in building the tram line No. 2 (Highway 50 - Nguyen Van Linh - Tran Nao - Xuan Thuy - Binh Quoi Urban Area); Urban rail line No. 4a (Thanh Xuan - Hiep Phuoc urban area); Urban railway line No. 5, phase 2 (Can Giuoc new bus station - Bay Hien crossroad).
There are also plans to invest in the railroad system, including a tram system and 2 urban railways. Waterway transport is also promised to be developed, namely along Soai Rap river.
However, according to traffic experts, although projects have been implemented but “the wait for adjustments” could warrant several more years of traffic congestion.
