On the afternoon of october 3, Vu Van Vinh, director of Project Management Unit 2 under the Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR), announced the construction site will extend from Pham Hong Thai street, near the Phu Dong roundabout, to the Ham Nghi area, close to Pho Duc Chinh street.

The barricading is expected to begin in late october and last for approximately three months. This period is dedicated to relocating the drainage system and constructing the diaphragm walls for Ben Thanh station, part of metro line 2, Ben Thanh - Tham Luong.

Ben Thanh station near Ben Thanh market, viewed from above. *Photo: Giang Anh*.

With the establishment of the construction site, Pham Hong Thai street, alongside 23/9 park, will be temporarily closed from before the Le Thanh Ton intersection to Truong Dinh street. Sections of Ly Tu Trong and Truong Dinh streets around this area are planned to operate as two-way routes to divert traffic.

Vehicles on Le Thanh Ton street can still turn onto Pham Hong Thai, heading towards the Phu Dong roundabout via an 11 m wide temporary road located outside the construction fence.

On Ham Nghi street, a portion of the roadway will be narrowed, but traffic flow and the operation of the bus transfer station will be maintained. Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, specifically the section between Nguyen Thai Binh and Ham Nghi, is planned to be organized as a two-way route to alleviate pressure on the Ben Thanh station area.

The Le Loi, Tran Hung Dao, and Pham Ngu Lao routes will maintain their current traffic arrangements.

Underground cross-section perspective of the Ben Thanh station complex, where Ben Thanh – Tham Luong and Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro lines intersect. *Photo: MAUR*.

According to Vu Van Vinh, the construction will proceed in multiple stages. The scope of the barricades and the traffic diversion plans may be adjusted as needed to minimize disruption to commuters. The construction process is also required to limit impact on passengers using metro line 1, Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien.

Ben Thanh station is adjacent to Ben Thanh market, situated in the city's central core. It is the largest underground station for metro line 1 and will serve as a key hub for metro line 2.

Beyond this central area, several other locations along the Ben Thanh - Tham Luong line are also being prepared for construction. Traffic on Cach Mang Thang Tam, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, and around the Bay Hien intersection is being adjusted to facilitate the work. These are high-traffic areas, so authorities will increase regulation to limit congestion.

Metro line 2, Ben Thanh - Tham Luong, commenced on january 15, with a total investment exceeding VND 55 trillion. The line spans nearly 11,3 km, of which approximately 9,3 km will be underground, comprising 10 underground stations, one elevated station, and the Tham Luong depot. The project is expected to be completed in 2030, connecting the city center with the northwest region.

Giang Anh