Many transport projects in Ho Chi Minh City that will be completed or will start construction this year are expected to ease traffic congestion and contribute to the development of the city. (Photo tuoitre.vn)HCM City (VNA)- Ho Chi Minh City's authorities are planning to complete or start key transportinfrastructure projects this year in an aim to reduce trafficcongestion and develop connections between the city and neighbouring provinces.
Luong Minh Phuc, Director of the city's Management Board for Traffic WorksConstruction and Investment, said the city is expected to complete 29traffic projects and start construction for 27 new traffic projects thisyear.
According to the city’s Department of Transport, the city plans to putinto use 81km of new roads and 18 bridges this year.
In particular, the An Suong tunnel at An Suong intersection in District 12 willbe completed in June. The project is expected to reduce trafficcongestion in the northern area of the city.
In addition, the Thu Thiem Bridge No 2 project is slated to be put intouse in the third quarter of the year. The bridge will shortenthe travel time from District 1 to District 2 and help ease congestionon Ton Duc Thang and Nguyen Huu Canh streets.
Nguyen Vinh Ninh, deputy director of the city’s transport project managementboard, said that a contractor for Hoang Hoa Tham and Cong Hoastreet expansion projects had been selected.
Both projects will be kicked off in the second and third quarters of this year,according to the People’s Committee of Tan Binh district. They areexpected to help reduce traffic congestion in areas near Tan Son NhatInternational Airport.
Traffic connections between HCM City and neighbouring provinces play animportant role in the economic development of the southern area. Sincetraffic congestion is the main cause for the high costs of transportinggoods between the city and provinces, the HCM City authority plans tocomplete the belt road No 2 linking provinces and cities this year.
Tran Quang Lam, director of the city’s Transport Department,said priority would be given to belt road, highway, and urban railwayprojects. If projects are completed, traffic congestion will be easedand city development will be strengthened./.
VNA
