Potholes plague Saigon's southern gateway tunnel

Dozens of potholes, subsidence, and uneven asphalt have appeared in the Nguyen Van Linh - Nguyen Huu Tho underpass, despite opening late last year.

On the morning of 16/9, dozens of potholes scattered the tunnel's lane heading from the former Binh Chanh district towards the Tan Thuan Export Processing Zone. One section had sunk more than 30 cm, spanning an entire lane.

Road surface sunk about 30 cm in the middle of the Nguyen Van Linh underpass. Photo: Dinh Van

Along the sidewalks, broken asphalt sent debris flying as vehicles passed. In the opposite lane, a series of potholes 20-50 cm in diameter appeared, while a 100-meter stretch of rippled asphalt jolted passing cars.

Truck driver Hoai Nam, a frequent user of the tunnel, said that just two months ago, there were only a few small dips. "I know the road so I can avoid them, but low-riding cars could easily bottom out," he said.

The Nguyen Van Linh underpass road surface is uneven and rippled. Photo: Dinh Van

Trinh Linh Phuong, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Management Board of Investment and Construction of Traffic Works, said the agency was aware of the deterioration. On the afternoon of 16/9, they would meet with the contractor to determine the cause and develop repair plans to ensure traffic safety.

The 830 billion VND Nguyen Van Linh - Nguyen Huu Tho underpass comprises two 456-meter branches, each with three lanes. Above ground, there's a roundabout and connecting ramps. The branch from Binh Chanh to Tan Thuan opened in 10/2024, with the other opening two months later.