Leaders from both localities presented the proposal during a meeting with the Ministry of Construction on the afternoon of 20/5, following an inspection of components one and two of the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway.

Local leaders stated that while the temporary operation of the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway has eased congestion on National Highway 51, vehicles traveling from central Ho Chi Minh City on the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway face a significant detour. They must currently pass the National Highway 51 interchange, then travel approximately 18 km to the Vo Nguyen Giap interchange to turn around and access the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway.

Both localities argue that opening the Long Thanh interchange would provide a more direct and convenient route for traffic from Ho Chi Minh City heading to the Vung Tau region, significantly reducing congestion on National Highway 51.

The Long Thanh interchange connects the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway with the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

The Long Thanh interchange serves as a critical connection between the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway and the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway. Situated near National Highway 51 and Long Thanh airport, it functions as a vital transportation hub at Ho Chi Minh City's eastern gateway, linking various expressways, national highways, and the regional belt road network.

Its design incorporates multiple direct ramps between the two expressways, intended to allow vehicles from Ho Chi Minh City to travel to Ba Ria - Vung Tau without using National Highway 51. Despite this, the interchange remains unopened because traffic organization and toll collection plans for the related build-operate-transfer (BOT) projects are still pending finalization.

The Ministry of Construction leadership confirmed they would review the proposal once relevant agencies finalize the traffic diversion and toll collection plans, expected this week.

The 54 km Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway fully opened to traffic at 5 PM on 18/5, following the temporary operation of its first component. Initially, the expressway allows only automobiles with fewer than 9 seats, with a maximum speed of 80 km/h and a minimum of 60 km/h.

Prior to the full opening, Project Management Board 85, the investor for component two, closed the Bung Mon interchange to ensure traffic safety. This interchange had served as a temporary access point for vehicles from Long Thanh ward since 29/4, specifically because the Long Thanh interchange remained non-operational due to unresolved management and toll collection plans.

Phuoc Tuan