The An Phu underpass, a key component of Ho Chi Minh City's eastern gateway, experienced significant flooding just two weeks after its opening. On the morning of 16/2, underpass HC1-02, part of the An Phu intersection project, was inundated with nearly 50 cm of water across a section stretching over 20 m. This incident, impacting traffic flow from Mai Chi Tho Boulevard towards the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway, forced drivers to slow down or detour onto the surface road.

The An Phu intersection underpass was heavily flooded in a low-lying section on the morning of 16/2. *Minh Hoang*

The Ho Chi Minh City Management Board of Investment and Construction of Traffic Projects reported that an electrical system failure caused the pumping station to stop operating. This malfunction allowed groundwater to flow back into the underpass, leading to the inundation. Authorities addressed the issue that same morning and deployed personnel throughout the Tet holiday to prevent further incidents.

Underpass HC1-02 spans 480 m, directly connecting the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway with Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, leading towards the Thu Thiem Tunnel. The structure features four lanes, two in each direction, with a design speed of 50 km/h. It is equipped with lighting, fire suppression systems, and a pumping station. The construction package for this underpass was valued at approximately 342 billion VND.

Opened in early February, underpass HC1-02 is designed to link with underpass HC1-01, which is scheduled to operate from 6/2025 at the Mai Chi Tho - Dong Van Cong intersection. This integration aims to facilitate continuous traffic flow between Mai Chi Tho Boulevard and the expressway, reducing congestion at the An Phu intersection. The overall An Phu intersection project, which began construction in late 2022, has a total investment exceeding 3,400 billion VND. Initially slated for completion by the end of 2025, the project has faced delays, with the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee approving an extension to Q2 of this year.

Design of the An Phu intersection project upon completion. *Ban Giao thong*

An Phu is one of Ho Chi Minh City's most complex intersections, connecting major arteries such as the Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway, Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, Luong Dinh Cua, Nguyen Thi Dinh, and Dong Van Cong. This area also serves as a crucial gateway to Cat Lai Port, experiencing daily traffic of over 20,000 container vehicles.

Minh Hoang - Giang Anh