Ho Chi Minh City is considering a significant infrastructure project: an elevated road to Tan Son Nhat airport, proposed by Phat Dat Company. This initiative aims to alleviate severe traffic congestion along the Truong Chinh - Cong Hoa axis, a critical gateway to the city center and the airport.

The proposed route, approximately 11 km long, would begin at the An Suong interchange and follow the Truong Chinh - Cong Hoa - Truong Son - Hong Ha axis, concluding at the Nguyen Thai Son - Nguyen Kiem interchange. Phat Dat Company recently submitted its plan to the Department of Finance, detailing a project estimated at VND 15.71 trillion. The company suggests implementing this through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, specifically a Build-Transfer (BT) contract.

Traffic congestion on Cong Hoa street. Photo: Giang Anh

The project is designed to be 60 meters wide, adhering to urban main road standards with a designed speed of 80 km/h. Phat Dat Company proposes dividing the project into two main phases: site clearance and construction. If approved, the company aims for completion by 2030.

This proposal aligns with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction’s previous plans. The department, in its transportation infrastructure development plan until 2030, also indicated its intention to develop an elevated road in this area. Preliminary studies by specialized agencies suggest the route should primarily utilize the median strip of the existing Truong Chinh - Cong Hoa axis. This approach would minimize site clearance requirements, reduce overall costs, and limit disruption to residents.

The elevated road plan is also being evaluated for synchronization with the city's upcoming project to widen National Highway 22 to 60 meters. When completed, this comprehensive infrastructure upgrade is expected to significantly enhance traffic capacity. It will better accommodate travel demands from the northwestern gateway into Tan Son Nhat airport and the city center, which currently faces persistent gridlock.

Proposed route for the elevated road connecting Tan Son Nhat airport. Graphics: Tam Thao

The Truong Chinh - Cong Hoa axis serves as a vital artery, connecting districts 12, Tan Binh, Tan Phu, and the former Hoc Mon district with Ho Chi Minh City's center and the airport. However, the current traffic volume on these routes consistently exceeds their designed capacity, leading to frequent congestion. Notably, the Cong Hoa section near the Hoang Hoa Tham interchange is a known point of prolonged traffic jams, even with the existing overpass.

Giang Anh