Ho Chi Minh City Braces For Holiday Traffic Surge

The Rach Xuyen Tam renovation project is entering its final phase, with construction expected to commence before April 30, 2025. This ambitious infrastructure project aims to enhance the waterway connecting the Nhiu Loc-Thi Nghe Canal to the Vam Thuat River, which plays a crucial role in flood control and urban drainage for Ho Chi Minh City.

As the city gears up for this significant development, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department has issued a warning regarding increased traffic congestion anticipated on April 7, 2025, the last day of the Hung Kings Commemoration holiday. This holiday, which spans three days from April 5 to April 7, is a time when many people travel to and from the city, leading to a surge in vehicular traffic.

On April 5, the first day of the holiday, the Ho Chi Minh City - Dau Giay expressway experienced significant traffic jams caused by two separate accidents, compounded by the heightened travel demand from holiday-goers. According to the police, the combination of these factors led to severe congestion on the expressway, impacting many travelers' journeys.

To mitigate the situation, the Cat Lai CSGT Team coordinated with the CSGT Department to manage traffic flow and guide vehicles to alternative routes. Thanks to their efforts, traffic conditions improved, allowing for a smoother flow as the holiday progressed.

As the holiday came to a close, the police department predicted a significant influx of vehicles returning to Ho Chi Minh City on April 7. They advised residents to monitor traffic conditions before setting out and to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and guidance from law enforcement to ensure safety on the roads.

On the afternoon of April 7, as the holiday concluded, a large number of residents from the Mekong Delta region made their way back to the city. Reports indicated that starting from 3 PM, traffic on Le Kha Phieu Street (National Highway 1) began to swell as vehicles streamed in from various provinces.

Many travelers faced the sweltering heat, with temperatures soaring above 36 degrees Celsius. The oppressive weather added to the discomfort of those returning to the city, leading some to take breaks along the roadside in search of shade. The sight of families laden with luggage and belongings was common as they made their way back home.

As the sun beat down, individuals like Le Phuoc An from Tien Giang shared their experiences, noting, "After the holiday, I returned to Ho Chi Minh City this afternoon to get back to work tomorrow. The heat is intense, forcing me to stop frequently to rest and hydrate. Traffic is busy, but I haven’t hit any major jams yet."

By 4 PM, traffic on Le Kha Phieu Street remained congested, indicating the holiday's impact on the city's roadways. Many residents opted to return to the city earlier than usual, anticipating the upcoming National Day holiday on September 2, leading to additional traffic at the southern gateway of the capital.

Looking ahead, the city is preparing for a series of events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Vietnam, with the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival serving as a key highlight. This festival marks the beginning of a series of activities commemorating this historic milestone.

In addition to the traffic challenges, the city is also managing infrastructure projects, such as the expansion and upgrade of Duong Quang Ham street, which has a budget of 2,300 billion VND. This project is expected to be completed by April 30, 2025, and aims to improve transportation efficiency in the area.

As the city navigates through the holiday traffic and prepares for upcoming celebrations, residents are encouraged to remain patient and vigilant while traveling. With the combined efforts of law enforcement and city planners, Ho Chi Minh City is working diligently to ensure a smooth transition back to normalcy after the holiday season.

In conclusion, as the Rach Xuyen Tam renovation project progresses and the city braces for increased traffic, residents are reminded to stay informed and prioritize safety on the roads during this busy period.