As of noon on September 5, traffic on Long Thanh Bridge was still tense. A line of vehicles inched forward on the bridge, heading from Dong Nai to Long Phuoc toll station (HCMC).
Previously, Vietnam Expressway Engineering Services Joint Stock Company (VEC E, the route management unit) warned about the inevitable risk of traffic congestion when a part of Long Thanh Bridge was barricaded for repair work.
According to VEC E, the main cause of the repair is a broken rail at the expansion joint at pier P20, located on the section of the bridge from Dong Nai to Ho Chi Minh City. If not promptly resolved, this problem could cause serious dangers, threatening the safety of the project and vehicles traveling on the route.
From September 5, the construction unit will fence off half of the bridge deck, on a section of about 500m long from Dong Nai to Ho Chi Minh City. Repairing the expansion joint at P20 pillar of Long Thanh bridge is expected to last 18 days.
The road surface is narrowed so cars passing through this area are also limited in speed, from 80km/h to 40km/h to ensure safety.
According to VEC E representative, Long Thanh bridge has only 2 lanes for each direction, has a large slope so traffic congestion often occurs, especially on weekends, holidays or when incidents occur.
The barricades for repairs will narrow the lanes, leading to the risk of more serious congestion, especially on the Long Thanh to Ho Chi Minh City route.
VEC E recommends that drivers need to monitor traffic information to choose another suitable route, and pay attention to reduce speed and keep a safe distance to avoid the risk of collision.
Vehicles from Dau Giay to Ho Chi Minh City can go straight along National Highway 1 to Ho Chi Minh City or turn right at branch B of National Highway 51 intersection to move through Vung Tau Intersection and continue the journey to Ho Chi Minh City.
For vehicles traveling from Phan Thiet to Ho Chi Minh City, the recommended route is to turn right at branch B of the National Highway 51 intersection after passing the toll station, or move to Dau Giay toll station and continue along National Highway 1 to Ho Chi Minh City.
Vehicles from National Highway 51 to Ho Chi Minh City can go straight along National Highway 51 to Vung Tau Intersection and continue their journey.
