Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) plans to construct a steel overpass at the congested Dan Chu roundabout, a vital intersection in the city center. The project, with a revised investment of nearly VND 329 billion, aims to alleviate traffic congestion and synchronize with the Ben Thanh - Tham Luong metro line's Dan Chu station, which will feature an underground stop in the area.

The Investment and Construction Project Management Board for Traffic Works (TCIP) recently submitted a proposal to the HCMC People's Committee, outlining adjustments to the project's scope. The proposed steel overpass will maintain its original route, linking Vo Thi Sau street to 3/2 street. However, its length will be slightly reduced from 268 m to 260 m, while its width will be increased from 6.5 m to 8 m. Below the overpass, traffic will be organized as a roundabout, with the potential addition of traffic lights to manage flow as needed.

The updated investment, nearly VND 329 billion, represents an increase of over VND 47 billion from the initial estimate. This revised figure accounts for updated construction costs, the relocation of technical infrastructure, and other related expenses. The Dan Chu roundabout is a critical junction where six major roads converge: Vo Thi Sau, Cach Mang Thang Tam, 3/2, Ly Chinh Thang, Nguyen Phuc Nguyen, and Nguyen Thuong Hien, making it a frequent bottleneck for traffic.

The project was initially approved by HCMC in 2016 with a budget of over VND 281 billion, slated for implementation between 2016 and 2019. However, construction was delayed to ensure synchronization with the Ben Thanh - Tham Luong metro project. Additionally, the overpass design required careful consideration to minimize its impact on the surrounding landscape and nearby buildings.

The Dan Chu construction site roundabout before the construction of the Ben Thanh - Tham Luong metro station. *Photo: Quynh Tran*

According to TCIP's plan, if the necessary appraisal and investment policy adjustments are finalized this year, the project's feasibility study, contractor selection, and other related procedures will be completed in 2027. Construction is then anticipated to commence and conclude in 2028.

The Dan Chu overpass is one of seven steel overpasses that HCMC prioritizes for completion before 2030 to alleviate congestion at key intersections. Regarding the six other projects, on July 21, Department of Construction Director Tran Quang Lam instructed the Center for Traffic Management and Technical Infrastructure to collaborate with relevant units. Their task is to promptly prepare investment policy proposals for the city's review and swift implementation.

Location of seven intersections slated for steel overpass construction. *Graphic: Hoang Thanh*

Among these, the central HCMC area will see the construction of two additional overpasses at the intersections of 3/2 with Le Dai Hanh, and Ly Thuong Kiet. The Binh Duong area will receive one overpass at the Cach Mang Thang Tam - Huynh Van Cu intersection. The three remaining overpasses are planned for Ba Ria - Vung Tau, specifically at the National Highway 51 - Phuoc Binh intersection, the National Highway 51 - B1 road leading to My Xuan B1 Industrial Park, and the DT.994C - 30/4 road (Eo Ong Tu area).

HCMC currently operates nine steel overpasses at major intersections, with the first two having been put into use in 2013 at the Thu Duc and Hang Xanh intersections. Despite some past discussions regarding their aesthetics, slope, and lifespan, these types of overpasses offer advantages such as quick construction, lower costs, ease of dismantling, and minimal impact on surrounding structures.

Giang Anh