Ho Chi Minh City: Breakthroughs from a flexible transportation model.

(HTV) - Ho Chi Minh City is experimenting with various flexible traffic management solutions, utilizing existing infrastructure to reduce congestion at long-standing bottlenecks.

Ho Chi Minh City has recently reorganized traffic in several frequently congested areas, including Cong Hoa Street and the Dien Bien Phu - Nguyen Binh Khiem roundabout. Positive initial results from the pilot program demonstrate the effectiveness of this new approach to traffic management: not just relying on building more roads, but also efficiently utilizing every meter of existing infrastructure through technology, traffic flow data, and intelligent traffic organization.

The reverse lane on Cong Hoa Street helps regulate traffic flow during rush hour.

In the Cộng Hòa - Tân Kỳ Tân Quý area, authorities have completed and put into operation an automated traffic divider system. This can be considered the first solar-powered automated lane system in Ho Chi Minh City. Based on its practical effectiveness, similar systems will be studied for the remaining reverse lanes, aiming to increase flexibility in traffic management throughout different time periods.

After two weeks of officially piloting the reverse lane system on Cong Hoa Street, many residents reported a significant improvement in traffic conditions in the area, especially during peak hours. Ms. Lam Thi Hoa, a resident of Binh Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, shared: "I've noticed a significant reduction in traffic congestion, and I hope there will be even more positive changes in the future." Sharing this sentiment, Mr. Nguyen Van Long, a resident of Hanh Thong Ward, said that during peak hours, traffic jams have decreased considerably and are no longer as severe as before.

Traffic flow at the roundabout, which experiences high traffic volume, has been adjusted to reduce congestion.

However, alongside these initial improvements, residents also expect this plan to continue to be monitored and adjusted to achieve even greater effectiveness. Mr. Nguyen Van Thai, a resident of Chanh Hung ward, commented that traffic has improved, but further research is needed to optimize the organization, especially when traffic volume changes throughout the day.

Similarly, at the Dien Bien Phu - Nguyen Binh Khiem roundabout, after more than a week of traffic adjustments, people are gradually getting used to the new route. As a result, traffic congestion during peak hours has significantly decreased, and traffic flows more smoothly than before.

Mr. Nguyen Van Ngoc, Acting Head of Infrastructure Department No. 1, Center for Traffic Management and Technical Infrastructure, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, affirmed that the unit regularly monitors traffic congestion hotspots in the area to understand the traffic situation. Based on this, the center proposes non-structural solutions to reduce conflicts at intersections and create harmony with the surrounding traffic network.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, the city is focusing on implementing many new traffic management solutions, including some unprecedented models. The application of non-construction solutions, meaning those that do not require compensation, land clearance, road widening, or expansion, is considered a necessary approach given the limited land available for transportation.

Mr. Nguyen Kien Giang, Deputy Head of the Department of Maintenance and Operation of Transportation Works, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, said that in the coming time, the department plans to continue implementing new traffic organization plans at many other hotspots. Priority will be given to studying the main gateway routes with large traffic flow imbalances during morning and afternoon rush hours. On Truong Chinh Street, the plan being considered is to close some intersections, open intermediate intersections, and organize continuous U-turns. For Pham Van Dong Street, the transportation sector is studying lane adjustments and expanding mixed-use lanes to meet the very high demand for motorbikes.

Traffic signs guide vehicles according to the new traffic organization plan.

To fundamentally address the problem of traffic congestion, flexible traffic management solutions need to be implemented in conjunction with issuing fines for violations, addressing illegal sidewalk encroachment, and encouraging people to use public transportation. When existing infrastructure is utilized more efficiently, Ho Chi Minh City has more reason to expect substantial improvements in urban traffic management and regulation.

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Source: https://htv.vn/tp-ho-chi-minh-dot-pha-tu-mo-hinh-giao-thong-linh-hoat-22226053110282596.htm