The Traffic Police Department, under the Ministry of Public Security, announced temporary outbound traffic bans on specific expressways to manage the high volume of vehicles returning to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City at the end of the Lunar New Year holiday.

These restrictions will apply to two major routes: the Phap Van – Cau Gie expressway, where traffic outbound from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa will be temporarily banned, and the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway, with a temporary ban on traffic outbound from Ho Chi Minh City to Long Thanh. Additionally, the Ho Chi Minh City – Trung Luong – My Thuan expressway will temporarily ban traffic outbound from Ho Chi Minh City to Trung Luong.

The decision to implement these temporary bans stems from the anticipated surge in vehicles entering both cities on 22/2, which marks the final day of the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday in 2026. Authorities expect a significant increase in traffic density as people return from their celebrations.

Vehicles entering Hanoi on the Phap Van – Cau Gie expressway on the afternoon of 21/2. *Photo: Hieu Dinh*

As of 21/2, traffic returning to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on expressways had reached over 566,000 (approximately 44.42%) vehicles. However, over 708,000 (approximately 55.57%) vehicles are still expected to travel on 22/2, posing a risk of prolonged congestion. Therefore, the temporary outbound ban aims to prioritize inbound traffic, ensuring smoother entry into the cities.

The Traffic Police Department urges road users to comply with traffic regulations and the instructions of traffic police officers on duty on the expressways to facilitate traffic flow and ensure safety.

Viet An