Highway 51, key route to Long Thanh airport, riddled with potholes

A vital artery connecting southeastern provinces to Long Thanh airport is severely damaged, with numerous deep potholes collecting water when it rains, posing safety risks.

For months, a 500-meter stretch of Highway 51 through Long Hung ward, heading from Dong Nai to Vung Tau, has been in a state of disrepair.

The 72-kilometer Highway 51 is a critical route linking Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai province. Its importance has grown with the construction of Long Thanh airport. Currently, travelers from Ho Chi Minh City can reach the airport via the Long Thanh-Dau Giay expressway or by taking Hanoi Highway, National Highway 1, and then Highway 51.

The uneven road surface makes driving difficult. Cars passing through this area often scrape their undercarriages, risking damage.

Vehicles struggle to navigate the deep potholes. Video: Phuoc Tuan

Vehicles queue, inching along the damaged sections of the road.

As a major route connecting Bien Hoa and Vung Tau, Highway 51 sometimes sees 32,000 to 48,000 vehicles daily, nearly three times its designed capacity.

Many cars swerve into the motorcycle lane to avoid the damaged road, causing extended congestion. Motorcycles in this lane are unable to pass.

The "plowed-up" and undulating highway has caused many trucks to suffer flat tires. Heavy container trucks are also getting stuck due to tire damage. Drivers attempt repairs, but their efforts are futile as the wheels spin without traction on the uneven surface.

The damaged road becomes even more dangerous during heavy rain. Accumulated water hides the potholes, making it easy for cars to fall in.

Many vehicles driving through the area are unaware of the deep puddles, leading to damage. "At night, many motorcyclists who drive in the car lane through this area often fall," said Mr. Hung, a resident near the damaged section.

In addition to this area, Highway 51 is also severely damaged near Son Tien Tourist Area, Ben Go intersection, and near Shingmark Hospital in Long Hung ward.

The severe damage causes frequent traffic jams on Highway 51 through Long Hung ward, extending to Vung Tau intersection. The Vietnam Road Administration has allocated 28 billion VND to repair several damaged sections of the highway.