Nguyen Thi Minh Khai - Nguyen Van Cu - Ly Thai To roundabout, also known as Nga Sau Cong Hoa, is one of the intersections with high traffic density in the central area of Ho Chi Minh City. During peak hours, the volume of vehicles from many directions flocking in makes the area bear great traffic pressure.
Previously, vehicles mainly self-directed when entering the roundabout. From September 15, the traffic organization plan here was changed when the traffic light system was put into pilot operation to regulate vehicle flows through the intersection.
According to reporters' records, on the first day of piloting traffic light operation, the density of vehicles increased, causing functional forces to flexibly adjust the traffic diversion plan during peak hours. After adjustment, traffic in the area is basically more stable.
According to the traffic police force on duty in the area, the initial plan when the system was turned on was to arrange traffic lights, along with priority lights for 2-wheeled vehicles turning right. However, due to the increased traffic volume during peak hours, vehicles rush in, causing congestion on the roads leading to the roundabout.
Faced with this situation, the traffic police force coordinated with relevant units to adjust the plan right at the scene. Accordingly, 2-wheeled vehicles are allowed to move continuously through the traffic light area; when reaching the roundabout, vehicle drivers actively choose their direction of movement. Meanwhile, cars, passenger cars and trucks still have to stop when encountering red lights.
After adjustment, vehicle pressure at the roundabout and surrounding roads decreased, congestion was relieved, and vehicles moved more stably.
The change in traffic organization at the roundabout made many people passing through here surprised and confused in the first morning. Traffic police were deployed in the area to guide people to get acquainted with the new way of moving.
Traveling through the Nga 6 area this morning, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Bao (Cho Quan ward, Ho Chi Minh City) said that he was initially quite surprised when he saw the traffic light system put into operation. "This morning when I went to Nga 6 roundabout, I was surprised because there was a traffic light. When I saw the red light, I stopped but was instructed by traffic police to pay attention to the priority light allowing motorbikes to move. I think the new traffic organization will help regulate vehicles at the roundabout better," Mr. Bao said.
From another perspective, Mr. Huynh Van Khoi (Vuong Lai ward, Ho Chi Minh City) assessed that the installation of traffic lights initially helps regulate vehicles more stably at the roundabout, which is often crowded during peak hours.
I observed that new traffic lights have been installed, the installation of these traffic lights helps regulate the volume of vehicles more stably. This roundabout was already crowded before, especially in the morning and afternoon peak hours. Hopefully traffic will have positive changes," Mr. Khoi said.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, functional units will continue to monitor vehicle traffic and traffic situation at the Nguyen Thi Minh Khai - Nguyen Van Cu - Ly Thai To roundabout after applying the new plan.
The green - red - yellow traffic light time in each direction will be monitored and adjusted to suit the actual traffic flow situation. The pilot results will be summarized and reported to the Department of Construction after 30 days of implementation.
In case of traffic congestion or complicated traffic developments, relevant units will study and propose timely adjustments to ensure traffic order and safety.
