That is good news at the beginning of 2026 coming not only to the people of Ho Chi Minh City. Because, not only one more key traffic project is about to "reach the finish line", but it will also reduce the obsession with traffic jams at the eastern gateway of the city.
HC1-02 underpass is 760 m long, including 4 two-way lanes, directly connecting the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway with Mai Chi Tho street in the direction of the Saigon River tunnel, expected to open to traffic before January 15, 2026.
Currently, vehicles from the highway flowing to An Phu intersection have to stop to wait for traffic lights, during peak hours, the number of vehicles is large, leading to serious congestion.
But looking only at An Phu intersection from the highway direction is not enough because this area is very complex, the intersection of a series of cars.
In addition to the traffic flow from the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway, there is also a direction from Dong Van Cong - Mai Chi Tho street; the traffic flow from Luong Dinh Cua street crosses the intersection to the expressway; branches from Nguyen Thi Dinh street and parallel roads enter the intersection.
Just one direction being blocked, the entire area immediately "stands still".
Therefore, along with the HCN-02 underpass, the N3 overpass branch (from Mai Chi Tho turning left to Dong Van Cong) is completed and put into operation, a large number of vehicles will be separated from the intersection, circulating continuously without having to stop and wait for the traffic lights. That is the way to address the root of the traffic conflict problem, instead of "firefighting" with temporary solutions.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Management Board, the N3 bridge branch is expected to open to traffic in the first quarter of 2026.
The Traffic Management Board also committed that putting the HC1-02 underpass and the N3 bridge branch into operation is expected to help reduce traffic congestion by about 80% in the An Phu intersection area.
The figure of 80% is a great commitment, and it is also a very high expectation for the people.
Reducing traffic jams in the An Phu intersection area not only helps people travel conveniently, but also connects smoothly with Long Thanh airport, ensuring time for air passengers.
An Phu intersection is in the final sprint. When the progress milestones have been announced, what people are waiting for is not more explanations, but the correct implementation of commitments, and smooth traffic flows.
Reducing 80% of traffic jams is a challenging goal but also a measure of the management capacity and responsibility of relevant agencies.
People hope that those responsible can say and do, and will not be late for any reason as happened before.
