National Highway 51 severely damaged due to six times the expected traffic

National Highway 51 through Dong Nai province, the main artery to Long Thanh International Airport, is riddled with potholes and rutted tracks due to traffic volume far exceeding its design capacity, according to authorities.

Following heavy rains from Typhoon Kajiki, National Highway 51 through Dong Nai province is in a state of disrepair, with hundreds of damaged sections. The road surface is chipped and deeply rutted in both car and motorbike lanes. Many flooded areas have become hazardous traps, causing motorbike accidents and injuries.

Yesterday morning, in Long Hung ward, the most severely affected area, workers were resurfacing the asphalt. Residents reported that this 200-meter stretch has been bumpy and riddled with potholes for months, even trapping container trucks.

In Phuoc Tan and Tam Phuoc wards, around toll booth 1, the road's steel foundation is exposed. "Many vehicles have to swerve to avoid potholes or brake suddenly, resulting in frequent collisions," said Mr. Hung, 63, who lives near the highway.

Mr. Hai, a driver on the Vung Tau – Ho Chi Minh City route, said every trip on National Highway 51 is a nerve-wracking experience due to the constant swaying of his vehicle. Previously, damage was limited to a few spots, but now it's widespread, making travel difficult, time-consuming, and impacting his work.

"This is a vital route for a key economic region, and its deterioration severely impacts businesses and residents," Mr. Hai said.

Heavy traffic on the highway. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

Heavy traffic on the highway. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

In addition to the damaged road surface, many intersections, such as Gate 11, the Tan Cang quarry intersection, and the Long Thanh golf course, experience frequent and prolonged traffic jams, especially on weekends.

Mr. Duong Van Hieu, Deputy Director of Dong Nai Department of Construction, stated that the province assumed management of National Highway 51 on 1/7, inheriting its severely deteriorated condition. "The traffic volume on the route is six times its original design capacity. Numerous heavy trucks from industrial zones and ports contribute to the rapid deterioration of the road surface. Flooding exacerbates the situation," he explained.

The highway's overload is evident in the contract with Bien Hoa - Vung Tau Expressway Development Joint Stock Company (BVEC). In 2009, BVEC invested nearly 3,800 billion VND to expand the 72-km National Highway 51. After completion, the route began toll collection in 4/2013, with the contract initially set to expire in early 2030.

However, due to the excessive increase in traffic, toll collection was suspended in early 2023 at the request of the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam (Ministry of Construction). According to authorities, the current traffic volume on National Highway 51 is approximately 60,000 vehicles per day, significantly exceeding the initial design capacity of 12,000 vehicles per day.

Authorities repair a heavily damaged section of the road through Long Hung ward on 29/8. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

Authorities repair a heavily damaged section of the road through Long Hung ward on 29/8. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

Faced with the escalating damage, Dong Nai province has collaborated with the management unit to implement repairs. The province has approved a prioritized funding plan for the restoration of National Highway 51 during the 2025-2026 period. In addition to ongoing maintenance, the province is also planning a major overhaul to accommodate the high traffic volume.

Meanwhile, a representative of Road Management Zone IV (Directorate for Roads of Vietnam) stated that the unit is resurfacing damaged sections and completing traffic safety systems: repainting road markings, adding signs, guardrails, and upgrading drainage.

"We will cooperate with local authorities to find fundamental solutions to ensure long-term safety," the representative said.