Two toll booths on national route 51 dismantled

Toll booths T1 and T2 on national route 51 were dismantled after years of disuse to ensure traffic safety on the route connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Nai and the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port complex.

Location of the three toll booths on national route 51. *Graphics: Khanh Hoang*.

On the morning of 18/4, the Dong Nai Department of Construction, in coordination with Road Management Zone IV, began dismantling two toll booths, T1 (Tam Phuoc ward) and T2 (Long Phuoc commune), on national route 51. This action follows years of disuse and aims to ensure traffic safety.

The T1 toll booth area saw prolonged congestion from the dismantling and ongoing repairs on national route 51.

Before dismantling, the construction unit diverted traffic and set up warning ropes to ensure safety for passing vehicles. A representative of the unit stated that they would complete each section and reopen it immediately to minimize congestion.

Drilling machines broke through the traffic dividers at the T2 toll booth (Long Phuoc commune), which was the most challenging part due to the solid concrete blocks. After dismantling, the contractor will restore the road surface in this area.

Workers carried gas tanks to the toll booth roof to drill and cut iron and corrugated iron.

The dismantling proceeded after several meetings between the investor, BVEC, and the Ministry of Construction, based on proposals from local authorities.

By noon, the corrugated iron roof of the T2 toll booth was removed and collected, with the assets then handed over to Road Management Zone IV for management. "Work is at height, so we prioritize safety above all else, while still ensuring the dismantling progress required by the investor," said Nam, a demolition worker.

Cranes lowered the corrugated iron roof panels to the ground. The dismantling is expected to be completed before 24/4.

A sign at the booth was removed and lowered to the ground. Two months earlier, Ho Chi Minh City had dismantled the T3 toll booth to ensure traffic safety in that area.

During the dismantling, the construction unit placed warning signs and assigned staff to regulate traffic, ensuring safety for workers and vehicles on national route 51.

The Dong Nai Department of Construction announced that during the dismantling of the two toll booths, national route 51 lanes would be narrowed, potentially causing localized congestion. Residents are advised to check traffic conditions and choose appropriate alternative routes.

National route 51, stretching 72 km, serves as a crucial artery connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Nai and the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port complex. It will also play a vital role in linking to Long Thanh airport, which is expected to begin operations later this year.