Longest underpass at An Phu intersection before opening day

The second underpass, part of Ho Chi Minh City's largest interchange project, measuring 760 m, has been largely completed after three years of construction and will open to traffic on 2/2, aiming to reduce congestion and boost traffic capacity at the city's eastern gateway.

The steel handrails, over one meter high, feature a consistent design motif, harmonizing with the other overpasses and underpasses within the project.

On 1/2, the An Phu interchange underpass received its asphalt surface, road markings, and a thorough cleaning, in preparation for its opening. Previously, the first underpass branch, measuring 480 m, opened to traffic in the middle of last year, marking the earliest completed component of the project.

The An Phu interchange features a three-level design, incorporating two underpasses, several overpasses for various turning directions, a central roundabout at ground level, and an iconic tower. The project, with a capital of over 3.400 ty dong, commenced in 12/2022 and was initially slated for completion in 4/2025 but has experienced delays.

Location of the An Phu interchange. Graphics: Khanh Hoang

The underpass, approximately 760 m long, is the largest of the two underpasses in the An Phu interchange project. It is designed with 4 lanes, two in each direction, and an operational speed of 50 km/h.

This infrastructure directly connects the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway with Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, leading towards the Thu Thiem tunnel. Upon completion, the project is expected to alleviate congestion at the eastern gateway and enhance connectivity between Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai, including Long Thanh International Airport.

A day before its opening, most of the underpass surface had been paved with asphalt, and the lighting system and median strips were installed. Remaining components are currently being finalized.

{"caption_all":"Ben trong ham kin, hoi uon cong o giua; he thong chieu sang va thoat nuoc da lap dat hoan chinh, hien cho hoan tat cong tac ve sinh truoc khi dua vao khai thac.","caption_items":"["",""]"}

{"caption_all":"nnnnnnnKhoang 100 cong nhan cung nhieu may moc duoc huy dong thi cong ke vach duong, tham nhua, lap dat chieu sang va bien bao, gap rut hoan thien truoc thoi diem thong xe.nnnnnn nnn","caption_items":"["",""]"}

The underpass roof structure, made of concrete, remains incomplete. According to the contractor, this complex component caused the opening date to be pushed back from the initial schedule.

Earlier, during the New Year holiday, the overpass branch allowing vehicles to turn right from the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway onto Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, towards Vo Nguyen Giap Street, was opened to traffic.

According to the investor, the project is currently constructing several other bridge branches, with completion anticipated by the end of 6. However, some items face challenges due to site clearance issues in the Luong Dinh Cua Street area.

The An Phu interchange is a key project aimed at resolving years of persistent congestion at Ho Chi Minh City's eastern gateway. Once completed, the project will reduce traffic jams and enhance the operational efficiency of the expressway, especially with Long Thanh International Airport currently under construction.

This infrastructure also establishes a major transportation hub, connecting vital projects such as Luong Dinh Cua Street, the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway, Ring Road 3, and light rail lines.

An Phu interchange underpass. Video: Quynh Tran