Ho Chi Minh City is planning a significant upgrade to Ung Van Khiem street, a crucial artery in Binh Thanh district, proposing to double its width to 30 meters. This expansion, stretching approximately 1.8 kilometers from the Martyrs' Monument roundabout to Saigon bridge, is expected to cost around 4,592 billion VND and will be funded by the city budget. The project's primary goal is to alleviate severe traffic congestion and chronic flooding in the area.

Current status of the Martyrs' Monument roundabout area and Ung Van Khiem street (marked in red). *Photo: Thanh Tung*

Ung Van Khiem street is a vital traffic corridor within Ho Chi Minh City's inner district, strategically located near Mien Dong bus station. It connects several major roads, including National Highway 13, Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Nguyen Xi, and Dien Bien Phu. Despite its importance, the street currently features only two to four lanes, leading to frequent congestion. Previously, the street was part of the Binh Trieu 2 bridge-road project, slated for renovation and upgrade, but implementation has been delayed.

The city has designated this project as a key infrastructure initiative, placing it on a priority investment list with a target completion year of 2029. The Ho Chi Minh City Management Board of Investment and Construction of Traffic Projects is responsible for preparing the pre-feasibility study report. This report will serve as the basis for the city to consider and approve the investment policy this year, paving the way for the project's implementation.

Beyond Ung Van Khiem street, Ho Chi Minh City is planning several other infrastructure upgrade projects in the surrounding area. These initiatives aim to further reduce traffic congestion and enhance urban aesthetics.

Location of Ung Van Khiem street. *Graphic: Khanh Hoang*

Recently, the city approved a joint venture with Ho Chi Minh City Technical Infrastructure Investment Joint Stock Company (CII) to study a traffic improvement project for the Hang Xanh - Binh Trieu area. This project, proposed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, focuses on upgrading the Dinh Bo Linh - Xo Viet Nghe Tinh and National Highway 13 corridors. Planned improvements include road widening and the construction of elevated routes to separate traffic flows.

These ongoing and planned projects, including the recently commenced National Highway 13 upgrade and the proposed Binh Trieu 3 bridge investment, are expected to establish a high-speed traffic corridor. This corridor will connect Ho Chi Minh City's downtown area with its northeastern gateway, significantly improving regional connectivity.

Giang Anh