On the afternoon of 28/8, the Traffic Police Department announced that a significant increase in vehicles leaving central Hanoi for southern provinces via the Phap Van - Cao Bo expressway is anticipated with the start of the 5-day national holiday, presenting a clear risk of congestion. This concern is particularly acute from kilometer 211 to kilometer 259, encompassing the initial stretch of the Cau Gie - Ninh Binh expressway to the Cao Bo toll station, where the road narrows from three to two lanes per direction. To address this, Team 3 of Department 6, Traffic Police Department, intends to open a portion of the opposite carriageway for vehicles traveling from Hanoi towards Ninh Binh.

A representative from the Traffic Police Department indicated that this measure could be implemented as early as 29/8 if traffic volume escalates sharply.

Specifically, vehicles departing Hanoi for Ninh Binh will continue to use the three-lane Phap Van - Cau Gie expressway as normal. As they approach the end of the Cau Gie section, drivers wishing to exit at intermediate junctions such as Vuc Vong, Phu Thu, Liem Tuyen, or Liem Son should remain in lanes two and three, adhering to instructions from law enforcement personnel.

Cao Gie - Ninh Binh expressway. Photo: Phuong Linh

Vehicles proceeding directly to Ninh Binh and other southern provinces will transition into lane one, adjacent to the median barrier. They will then follow the designated opening to enter the counterflow lane, continuing to the Cao Bo toll station (kilometer 259). Beyond this toll station, the traffic flow will revert to its standard configuration.

To ensure both effectiveness and safety of this traffic diversion, during its operation, vehicles traveling from southern regions towards Hanoi will be directed onto national highway 1A, bypassing the expressway. Concurrently, vehicles at all interchanges, access points, and rest stops along the Ninh Binh - Cau Gie route will be prohibited from entering the expressway.

High traffic density during holiday periods frequently correlates with an increased risk of collisions, often due to hurried drivers and a greater number of passenger buses. The Traffic Police Department advises drivers to maintain focus, keep a safe following distance, avoid occupying the left lane unnecessarily, and strictly comply with the directions provided by traffic authorities.

Minh Hy