Ho Chi Minh City Installs 7km Sound Barriers on Elevated Ring Road 3

Approximately 7 kilometers of sound barriers are being installed along the elevated section of Ho Chi Minh City's Ring Road 3, particularly in areas passing through urban districts with high-rise buildings, such as Vinhomes Grand Park. These barriers are expected to reduce noise levels below the safety standard of 70 decibels (dB), contributing to the improvement of living conditions for residents along the route. The sound barriers are made of a special plastic material with aluminum frames, offering high durability and weather resistance. They stand approximately 4 meters tall, with each panel measuring 1m x 2m. A total of 9,130 panels are being installed across the project, covering a total surface area of 18,260 square meters. Installation began in late 2023 and was completed in July 2024. In addition to noise reduction, the sound barriers are also said to enhance traffic safety by blocking wind and improving driver concentration. Safety measures are in place, including wire cable fixation, to prevent secondary damage from falling panels in case of collisions with large vehicles. Currently, sound barriers are installed on one side of the section from the Tan Van intersection to the Nhon Trach bridge (approximately 3 km). In Phase 2 of the project (2026-2030), with the expansion to a full 8 lanes, installation on the opposite side is also planned. Ring Road 3 is a cross-regional arterial road exceeding 90 km in total length, connecting Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai Province, and Tay Ninh Province. Upon completion, it is expected not only to strengthen transportation hubs but also to contribute to the development of the entire Southern economic region. Many construction works, including asphalt paving, median barriers, and guardrails, are nearing completion for the section from the Tan Van intersection to the Nhon Trach bridge, aiming for a partial opening on September 30, 2024. The elevated section of Ring Road 3 concludes at the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh expressway interchange. Here, bridge spans have been seamlessly connected, and ramps leading to the expressway and the Nhon Trach bridge are under construction. This interchange, featuring an overpass for Ring Road 3 and four ramps, will ensure connectivity between routes and link with the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway. It is one of six major interchanges on Ring Road 3, including those with the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway, Tan Van, Binh Chuan, Provincial Road 10, and the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong expressway. Visuals of the elevated Ring Road 3 section. Video: Quynh Tran Route of Ring Road 3. Graphics: Khanh Hoang Ring Road 3 has a total length of over 90 km and is a cross-regional road passing through Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, and Tay Ninh. Upon completion, the entire route will not only improve transportation but also create urban and industrial corridors, impacting not only the four provinces it passes through but also the entire Southern Key Economic Region. Quynh Tran