Ho Chi Minh City is set to implement significant traffic adjustments in its central area, with sections of two major arteries, Cach Mang Thang Tam and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai streets, converting to one-way traffic from 10/10. These changes are crucial for the ongoing construction of underground stations for Metro Line 2, a vital link between Ben Thanh and Tham Luong. Both streets are renowned for their high traffic density, frequently experiencing congestion during peak hours.
According to Vu Van Vinh, Director of Project Management Unit 2 under the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board (MAUR), Metro Line 2, connecting Ben Thanh to Tham Luong, is currently under construction at five underground stations: Pham Van Bach (ST10), Le Thi Rieng (ST5), Hoa Hung (ST4), Pham Van Hai (ST6), and Ba Queo (ST9). Construction for two additional stations, Tao Dan (ST2) and Bay Hien (ST7), is slated to begin in 10/2026. Plans for traffic diversion around these two stations have been approved by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, with contractors preparing to install barriers from 10/10. The remaining three stations – Ben Thanh (ST1), Dan Chu (ST03), and Nguyen Hong Dao (ST08) – are also expected to commence construction in 2026, with their respective traffic diversion plans currently being finalized.
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Vehicles congested on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, near Tao Dan park, 9/2026. Photo: Giang Anh
On Cach Mang Thang Tam street, a 350 m section from Nguyen Du to Nguyen Thi Minh Khai will become one-way, flowing from Nguyen Du towards Nguyen Thi Minh Khai. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction can follow an alternative route: Cach Mang Thang Tam – Nguyen Thi Minh Khai – Huyen Tran Cong Chua – Thu Khoa Huan – Le Thanh Ton – Pham Hong Thai – Cach Mang Thang Tam.
Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street will also be converted to one-way traffic along a section of approximately 1,5 km, heading from Cao Thang towards Huyen Tran Cong Chua. The designated alternative routes include: Truong Dinh – Vo Van Tan or Nguyen Dinh Chieu – Cao Thang – Nguyen Thi Minh Khai.
In contrast to these changes, Suong Nguyet Anh and Bui Thi Xuan streets, located near Tao Dan station, will continue to operate as two-way roads for all vehicles. These modified roads are primary arteries connecting the northwest gateway to the central Ho Chi Minh City, characterized by substantial traffic volumes. Previously, a section of Cach Mang Thang Tam, from Bay Hien intersection to Dan Chu roundabout, was already designated one-way for cars to facilitate the construction of Le Thi Rieng station (ST5).
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New signs installed on Cach Mang Thang Tam street in preparation for traffic adjustments. Photo: Giang Anh
The construction of the underground stations is divided into five phases and is expected to span over three years. Contractors will expand temporary road surfaces and strategically place barriers in specific areas, ensuring a minimum road width of 7,5 m for vehicle traffic. Traffic police will be deployed to regulate flow and minimize congestion.
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Sections of Cach Mang Thang Tam and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai streets (red) adjusted from two-way to one-way traffic from 10/10. Graphics: Tam Thao
Metro Line 2, Ben Thanh – Tham Luong, which commenced on 15/1, represents a total investment exceeding VND 55,000 billion. The nearly 11,3 km long route includes approximately 9,3 km of underground sections, 10 underground stations, one elevated station, and the Tham Luong depot. The project is projected to be completed in 2030, aiming to enhance connectivity between the city center and the northwest region.
Giang Anh
