Addressing landslides during the rainy season on the western ring road.

After nearly two years of operation, the western ring road of the city has become a crucial link in the urban transportation network, expanding development space to the west and contributing to the formation of an inter-regional connection axis. However, despite the initial effectiveness of the route, the landslides that occurred during the recent rainy season highlight the urgent need for thorough remediation to ensure the safety of road users.

Heavy rains caused continuous landslides on the western ring road through Hoa Tho village (Hoa Vang commune), covering the road surface with mud and soil. The contractor had to temporarily divert traffic to the other lane and put up warning signs. Photo: TRONG HUNG

From October to November this year, prolonged heavy rains caused landslides on the road section passing through Hoa Tho village (Hoa Vang commune). Mud and soil slid down from the embankment, covering the road surface, at times completely blocking an entire lane and making traffic extremely difficult. Observations on December 10th showed that many chunks of soil and rocks were still clinging to the road, long cracks appeared on the embankment, and although the base of the hill had been reinforced, both ends continued to be washed away by water during heavy rains.

Mr. Ho Van Thanh, a truck driver who frequently travels this route, shared: "It's fine when it's sunny, but whenever it rains heavily, the drivers have to call each other to warn each other. The mud slides down, making it slippery like grease, the brakes don't work, and it's very easy to lose control." Another container truck driver said that driving at night is even more dangerous because it's very difficult to spot landslides from the embankment in time.

According to local residents, landslides have been occurring for many years, but this year is more serious due to heavy rainfall and weak soil. Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tuan, who lives near the area, said: "The landslide started at the end of November, but only warning signs have been put up. Vehicles have to switch to the opposite lane, posing a risk of accidents if they don't slow down in time."

According to the Da Nang Project Management Board for Investment in Construction of Transportation and Agricultural Works - the project's investor - immediately after each heavy rain, the unit requires the contractor to promptly clear mud and debris, ensure traffic flow, and temporarily reinforce the embankment base with gabions. However, this landslide situation is complex and prolonged due to deep rainwater infiltration, meaning that the remediation efforts are limited to temporary solutions such as regulating traffic to share a single lane and posting warning signs.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Huy, Director of the Project Management Board, said: “We have requested the contractor to develop a plan to reinforce the entire slope as soon as the weather permits. In the long term, the city has assigned the Department of Agriculture and Environment to finalize the mineral auction documents for the 2024-2025 period to proactively secure materials for treating weak soil foundations and reinforcing slopes.”

Prolonged heavy rain has caused continuous landslides along the western ring road through Hoa Tho village (Hoa Vang commune); mud and soil have spilled down, at times completely covering the road surface, posing a danger to road users. Photo: TRONG HUNG

Simultaneously, the unit is researching technical solutions such as improving the shape of the slopes, arranging horizontal and vertical drainage systems suitable for mountainous terrain, and reducing surface runoff pressure on the embankment area which has weak geological conditions. When completed, these solutions are expected to fundamentally address the risk of landslides and ensure traffic safety in the upcoming rainy seasons.

The western ring road, spanning 19.2km and with a total investment of nearly 1,500 billion VND, directly connects National Highway 14B, National Highway 1A, the Ho Chi Minh Highway, and other horizontal routes from the city center to the west. The completed project has integrated the urban ring road system, creating a strategic transportation axis for industrial development, logistics, and new urban areas in the west. Many transport businesses have noted that the road shortens travel time by 15-20 minutes per trip, saves fuel costs, and reduces pressure on existing roads.

However, the recurring landslides highlight new challenges in operational management, especially in the context of climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme heavy rainfall.

As a strategic transportation route for the city, definitively addressing landslide areas, strengthening slope protection measures, improving drainage, and proactively securing reinforcement materials are considered urgent requirements to ensure traffic safety, maintain the effectiveness of public investment, and create a solid foundation for urban development in western Da Nang .

Source: https://baodanang.vn/khac-phuc-sat-lo-vao-mua-mua-tren-duong-vanh-dai-phia-tay-3314508.html