The expansion of National Highway 13, a section stretching approximately 13 km from the Vinh Phu welcome gate to the Le Hong Phong intersection in Thu Dau Mot, aims to increase the road from 6 to 8 lanes. This project, which commenced in 2022, operates under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model with a total capital of nearly 1,400 billion VND.

A specific segment from the Lai Thieu toll booth to Vinh Binh bridge, located in Lai Thieu ward, TP HCM, has seen its roadbed elevated by 0,5 m to over one meter. This significant rise has left many local homes below the new road level, resulting in scattered construction debris and mud flooding into houses, creating hazardous conditions for residents.

Many small business owners along National Highway 13 reported that for nearly a month, business has been difficult due to construction debris obscuring their storefronts.

Nguyen Dung, 50, stood before a drain opening 1,2 m higher than her home's foundation. She rents the house for her barbershop, but since the road was elevated, fewer customers visit due to the inconvenient access.

"The drain is high, and the road isn't finished. When it rains, water fills the house with mud," she stated.

The elevated roadbed reaches shoulder height for people standing in front of their homes, making entry and exit difficult.

Some households have stacked bricks and placed iron sheets to create temporary access ramps.

Residents pumped water from their homes onto the national highway to prevent flooding after the rain on the evening of 28/9.

Luu Hoang Hue, from Lai Thieu ward, reported spending over 20 million VND to raise the foundation in front of his family's mechanical workshop. "When it rains, water floods in, making it muddy and damaging all the machinery," he explained.

Water from the national highway flowed into the yard of The Gioi Di Dong store, forcing employees to elevate electronic devices.

On both sides of the road, workers were busy constructing and leveling the road surface and building the drainage system.

Many construction sections are muddy and have potholes, making travel difficult for vehicles.

National Highway 13 stretches over 140 km, connecting TP HCM with Binh Duong and the former Binh Phuoc province. This vital route, at the city's northeastern gateway, traverses many densely populated areas, links the old Mien Dong bus station to the inner city, and experiences frequent congestion. Recently, upgrades to Binh Trieu bridge have exacerbated traffic jams in the area.

TP HCM is also advancing three build-operate-transfer projects to upgrade National Highway 1, National Highway 22, and the North-South axis road.

The expanded section of National Highway 13 from Binh Trieu bridge to Vinh Binh. *Graphics: Tam Thao*.

Thanh Tung