Midday on 23/6, the Vung Tau intersection, including its overpass and underpass, experienced severe traffic congestion. Vehicles formed long queues on the bridge, within the underpass, and along feeder roads, with many drivers encroaching on motorcycle lanes in an attempt to cross Dong Nai bridge.

At the Dong Nai Bridge toll station in Tran Bien ward, the congestion was particularly severe. oto were observed encroaching on lanes, with up to 8 vehicles abreast in some sections. This area also serves as a U-turn point for numerous container trucks exiting Dong Nai port, further exacerbating the traffic buildup.

Dong Nai Bridge heavily congested at midday on 23/6. *Photo: Phuoc Tuan*

Local residents noted that while congestion is common during morning and afternoon rush hours, such heavy traffic at midday is rare. "This kind of severe jam at this hour is very unusual; vehicles are moving inch by inch", said Mr. Long, a resident of Tran Bien ward.

Several drivers reported that commuting through Ho Chi Minh City's eastern gateway has recently become more time-consuming due to ongoing repairs and construction in multiple areas. "In the morning, crossing the old bridge is also jammed because of road repairs; we hope the construction unit speeds up progress to reduce congestion", stated Mr. Phu, a cargo service driver.

The area approaching Dong Nai Bridge has up to 8 vehicles across multiple lanes. *Photo: Phuoc Tuan*

The primary cause of the congestion was the increased volume of vehicles traveling towards Ho Chi Minh City. This coincided with ongoing construction at the Tan Van interchange, which has narrowed a section of the road to accommodate two-way traffic. This narrowing created a significant bottleneck, causing traffic to back up towards Dong Nai Bridge and the Vung Tau intersection.

In contrast, traffic flowing in the opposite direction, from Ho Chi Minh City towards the Central region, remained relatively clear. The old Dong Nai Bridge, despite being under repair, experienced only slight congestion for about one kilometer, stretching from the New Mien Dong Bus Station to the Tan Van interchange.

Dong Nai traffic police were deployed to the Vung Tau intersection area to manage and regulate traffic. By early afternoon, vehicles in all directions through the affected area were still moving slowly.

Phuoc Tuan