From yesterday (September 12), many drivers passing through Quang Tri and Hue City were surprised when the Cam Lo - La Son expressway was also banned from traffic during the day.
On the evening of September 13, in an exchange with a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Chu Van Long - Managing Director of the Cam Lo - La Son Expressway Expansion Project Management Board (Ho Chi Minh Road Project Management Board) - said that the temporary suspension of the route exploitation stemmed from complicated weather developments, in order to ensure safety for people and vehicles.
According to Mr. Long, the temporary suspension of operation is implemented at the request of the Road and Railway Traffic Patrol and Control Guidance Department (Department 6, Traffic Police Department - C08).
C08 assessed that the Cam Lo - La Son expressway has a narrow cross-section, organizes two-lane traffic and is being operated and constructed at the same time. When it rains heavily, limitations in infrastructure, traffic organization and construction conditions may increase the risk of accidents.
Heavy rain also reduces visibility, making it difficult for drivers to observe traffic signs, markers, barriers, vehicles and construction areas. Meanwhile, the route only has two lanes, so the handling space when incidents occur is very limited.
If vehicles encounter problems or collisions occur, avoidance, rescue and traffic diversion will be difficult, increasing the risk of chain collisions and prolonged congestion.
Notably, construction may generate mud, material spills, barriers and temporary signs. When it rains heavily, the road surface is easily slippery and waterlogged; soil and rocks are at risk of spilling onto the road or causing local damage at construction locations.
C08 requests the Ho Chi Minh Road Project Management Board to coordinate with traffic police, route management units, contractors and local authorities to organize remote traffic diversion when temporarily suspending operation.
Forces must fully arrange signs, barriers, markers, warning lights and guides at entrances, intersections, construction sites and road surface narrowing locations.
Before, during and after heavy rain, units must inspect the scene, promptly handle mud and soil, spilled materials, water stagnation points, damaged road surfaces and locations at risk of landslides and flooding.
Vehicles are only allowed to circulate again when the weather, road surface, signal system, construction area and traffic organization plan are inspected and assessed to ensure safety.
Mr. Chu Van Long said that from September 12, functional forces have banned vehicles from circulating on the route, including during the day, due to the impact of heavy rain.
It is expected that on September 14, if the weather is favorable, functional agencies will inspect and assess the safety level. If conditions are met, the Cam Lo - La Son expressway will be reopened to daytime traffic.
