From 6:30 a.m., the volume of vehicles pouring into the city center via Binh Trieu 2 Bridge increased rapidly, especially during the morning commute and school run. Cars inched along from the intersection of National Highway 13 and Hiep Binh Road to the foot of the bridge. Some motorbike riders were forced to mount the sidewalk to find a way out.
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Traffic stretches on National Highway 13 to Binh Trieu 2 Bridge, the main route from the eastern gateway to the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Dinh Van |
Traffic stretches on National Highway 13 to Binh Trieu 2 Bridge, the main route from the eastern gateway to the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Dinh Van
The high volume of traffic, combined with the narrowed access to Binh Trieu 2 Bridge towards Dinh Bo Linh Street due to the closure of Binh Trieu 1 Bridge to cars, created a bottleneck, making it difficult for people to commute. To alleviate the congestion, traffic police were deployed in teams to manage traffic flow from afar on National Highway 13, at the Binh Trieu 1 Bridge access point, and around the roundabout under Binh Loi overpass.
Lan Anh, a motorbike rider commuting from Go Dua Street to District 1, said her journey this morning took twice as long as usual. Ever since Binh Trieu Bridge was partially closed for repairs, she has faced difficulties both coming and going during the morning and evening rush hours. "The heavy traffic, congestion, and exhaust fumes are exhausting," she said.
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Binh Trieu 2 Bridge is partially closed to add a lane for cars traveling from the old Eastern Bus Station to Pham Van Dong Street, creating a bottleneck. Photo: Dinh Van |
Binh Trieu 2 Bridge is partially closed to add a lane for cars traveling from the old Eastern Bus Station to Pham Van Dong Street, creating a bottleneck. Photo: Dinh Van
Since Binh Trieu 1 Bridge was closed to cars for repairs on 26/8, the roads connecting to this bridge – National Highway 13, Pham Van Dong Street, and Binh Loi Bridge – have frequently experienced prolonged traffic jams. This route typically sees heavy traffic due to commuters traveling from the eastern gateway into the city center via Binh Trieu Bridge.
Binh Trieu 1 and 2 Bridges span the Saigon River and are located on National Highway 13, connecting Binh Duong Province, Thu Duc City, and the city center, including the old Eastern Bus Station. Binh Trieu 1 Bridge, built before 1975, has a low clearance and is unsuitable for large vessels.
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Many motorbikes drive on the sidewalk leading up to Binh Trieu 2 Bridge to escape the traffic jam. Photo: Dinh Van |
Many motorbikes drive on the sidewalk leading up to Binh Trieu 2 Bridge to escape the traffic jam. Photo: Dinh Van
Earlier this year, a project to raise the bridge's clearance began, with a total investment of 133 billion VND and an estimated completion time of eight months. After a period of construction, starting on the afternoon of 2/9, the bridge has been restricted to motorbikes only, with cars diverted to Binh Trieu 2 Bridge. This car restriction is expected to last for three months.
Dinh Van
