Southeast Vietnam expressways to connect to relieve Highway 51

Authorities in Vietnam are working to connect three major expressways in the Southeast region to alleviate traffic pressure on National Highway 51. The plan aims to create an interconnected corridor linking the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway, the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway, and the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc has instructed Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai to finalize traffic organization plans by October. The goal is to establish a continuous axis from Long Thanh to Vung Tau, allowing heavy-duty trucks and vehicles with nine or more seats to utilize the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau route. The Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway, which opened on October 1, has already seen an average daily traffic volume of over 25,000 vehicles.

However, the temporary operation of the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway has caused localized congestion. While it has reduced some pressure on National Highway 51, it has increased traffic density at the intersection with Vo Nguyen Giap Street and the Cong 11 roundabout. Local residents and drivers report significant delays, with some experiencing up to three hours of congestion in short distances due to the influx of vehicles entering the expressway system.