This information was announced by Phan Vinh Thanh, Deputy Director of the Dong Thap Department of Construction, during a press briefing on the afternoon of 23/1.

Automobiles line up at the Dong Tam T-junction. *Photo: Hoang Nam*

According to Thanh, after Rach Mieu 2 bridge opened, traffic volume on national highway 60 and connecting routes increased significantly. This surge has frequently overloaded the Dong Tam T-junction, the project's starting point, which connects national highway 1 and the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong expressway in Long Hung commune.

The Department of Construction has collaborated with the My Thuan Project Management Board and the Ministry of Construction. They have agreed that building an overpass is the most viable solution. The investment capital will come from approximately 400 billion dong remaining from the Rach Mieu 2 bridge project. Construction is anticipated to commence this year and be completed and operational next year.

Rach Mieu 2 bridge. *Photo: Hoang Nam*

Rach Mieu 2 bridge, spanning the Tien River and connecting Dong Thap with Vinh Long, was inaugurated on 19/8. The project, with a total investment exceeding 6.800 billion dong, began construction in 3/2022. Its primary purpose is to relieve the long-standing overload of the existing Rach Mieu bridge.

However, the diversion of vehicles from Rach Mieu 1 bridge to the new bridge has led to persistent congestion at the Dong Tam T-junction from all directions, especially on weekends. At times, automobiles must wait through two to three traffic light cycles to clear the intersection.

While awaiting the overpass construction, authorities are adjusting traffic light cycles, regulating traffic flow, and guiding some vehicles back to Rach Mieu 1 bridge to ease pressure on the area.

Location of Rach Mieu 2 bridge. *Graphic: Khanh Hoang*

Hoang Nam