Ho Chi Minh City authorities implemented a new traffic management plan on the morning of 23/5 at the Dien Bien Phu - Nguyen Binh Khiem roundabout, following the completion of median strip and traffic light installations. This initiative aims to alleviate persistent congestion in a key central city location.
Under the new scheme, officials extended the median strip on Dien Bien Phu street, specifically the section facing Dinh Tien Hoang street. This extension reaches close to the roundabout, designed to prevent motorbikes from circling the island to turn left onto Nguyen Binh Khiem street.
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Dien Bien Phu - Nguyen Binh Khiem roundabout from above, on the morning of 23/5. Photo: Dinh Van
Immediately before the roundabout, Dien Bien Phu street is now divided into two distinct directions. One lane is designated for vehicles turning left directly onto Nguyen Binh Khiem, with traffic flow regulated by a new set of traffic lights. The remaining section allows vehicles to proceed straight towards Dinh Tien Hoang without having to stop and wait for a red light.
In the opposite direction, on Dien Bien Phu street leading from the city center towards Hang Xanh, authorities also installed additional traffic lights before the Nguyen Binh Khiem intersection. Vehicles traveling in this direction must now stop and wait according to the light cycle, a change from the previous continuous flow. This measure is intended to prevent conflicts with vehicles turning left from Dien Bien Phu onto Nguyen Binh Khiem.
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Localized traffic congestion from the Dien Bien Phu roundabout towards Dinh Tien Hoang street. Photo: Dinh Van
On Nguyen Binh Khiem street, vehicles exiting onto Dien Bien Phu are now only permitted to turn right; circling the roundabout is no longer allowed. Drivers wishing to make a U-turn must continue towards Hang Xanh or turn onto Hoang Sa street, travel under the bridge, and then return.
During the first morning of the new plan's implementation, traffic flow through the area was generally smooth due to reduced weekend vehicle volume. Traffic police were deployed to direct vehicles and guide commuters.
Despite the overall smoothness, many drivers experienced confusion due to the altered traffic directions. At certain times, localized congestion occurred on Dien Bien Phu street at both ends of the roundabout. Numerous vehicles missed the designated lane for turning left onto Nguyen Binh Khiem, forcing them to proceed straight towards Dinh Tien Hoang and then turn back. This resulted in short periods of congestion near the Dien Bien Phu - Dinh Tien Hoang intersection.
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Location of Dien Bien Phu roundabout. Graphics: Khanh Hoang
The Dien Bien Phu - Nguyen Binh Khiem intersection serves as a vital connection between the eastern gateway and central TP HCM. The roundabout, constructed over 20 years ago, has an approximate diameter of 60 m. It features numerous trees and a four-faced clock tower, about 16 m tall, which stands as a familiar symbol of the area.
Beyond connecting two major thoroughfares, the intersection also links to branches leading to Hoang Sa street along the Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe canal. This area frequently experiences congestion during peak hours. Previously, TP HCM traffic police had proposed removing the roundabout entirely to regulate traffic with lights, but that plan was deemed unfeasible.
Dien Bien Phu roundabout on the first day of traffic light regulation. Video: Dinh Van
Dinh Van - Giang Anh
