The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction announced a one-way car ban on Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, affecting the section from Ly Thuong Kiet to 3 Thang 2 Street, in the direction of the city center. This restriction, effective from August 13, is necessary for the construction of an underground station for metro line 2. While cars are restricted in one direction, traffic in the opposite lane will operate as usual, and buses are allowed to travel in both directions. Drivers in the construction area must reduce speed and follow traffic signs and directions from control officers.

Construction area for Le Thi Rieng Park metro station on Cach Mang Thang Tam Street. Photo: Thanh Tung

To navigate around the closed section, motorists can use an alternative route: Ly Thuong Kiet or Truong Chinh, proceeding to Hoang Van Thu, Le Binh, Hoang Sa, Rach Bung Binh, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, and Vo Thi Sau, before rejoining Cach Mang Thang Tam Street to reach 3 Thang 2 Street.

Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, spanning nearly 5 km, is a vital transportation artery connecting Ho Chi Minh City's central area with its northwestern gateway. It also forms a key part of the main corridor for metro line 2 Ben Thanh - Tham Luong. Construction of the underground station ST5 has already led to barricades on a section of the road near Le Thi Rieng Park. This station is one of two prioritized for early development to facilitate the installation of tunneling machines.

As the project progresses into its simultaneous construction phase, the increased demand for ground space necessitates traffic adjustments to ensure safety and maintain project timelines. Phan Cong Bang, Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board, acknowledged that the concurrent deployment of various components will affect traffic flow, particularly along the Cach Mang Thang Tam corridor. He confirmed that the project investor will collaborate with relevant agencies to implement phased traffic diversions and regulations, aiming to minimize inconvenience for residents.

Route of Ben Thanh - Tham Luong metro line. Graphic: Tam Thao

Metro line 2 Ben Thanh - Tham Luong began construction on January 15, with a total investment exceeding 55,000 billion VND. The line extends for nearly 11,3 km, with about 9,3 km running underground. It will feature 10 underground stations, one elevated station, and the Tham Luong depot. This project is slated for completion in 2030, creating a high-capacity transport link between the city center and the northwestern districts.

Giang Anh