Ho Chi Minh City to Expand National Highway 13 to Nearly Triple Its Width

Ho Chi Minh City is set to commence the expansion of National Highway 13, a critical artery experiencing severe traffic congestion, on September 2nd, coinciding with the nation's National Day. The project, to be implemented under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model with an estimated investment of nearly VND 21 trillion (approximately USD 820 million), aims for completion by 2028. This initiative is expected to significantly alleviate traffic at the city's northeastern gateway. The expansion will more than double the current width of National Highway 13, from 19-27 meters to 60 meters. A key feature will be a 3.5 km elevated highway with four lanes constructed in the middle of the route from Binh Trieu Bridge to the Binh Duong provincial border. This, combined with parallel roads, will create a total of 10-14 lanes, depending on the section. The elevated section, designed for speeds of 80 km/h, will offer faster and more stable transit compared to the parallel roads' 60 km/h limit, bypassing intersections. This elevated portion is anticipated to be tolled under the BOT agreement after the project's completion, while the lower roads will remain toll-free. The project encompasses ten intersections. Notably, two major junctions—under Binh Loi Bridge and at Binh Phuoc—will feature underpasses to manage traffic flow effectively. The underpass at Binh Loi will also be designed to go beneath the North-South railway line. At Binh Phuoc, where National Highway 13 intersects with National Highway 1, a similar underpass system will be implemented. Other intersections will be at-grade but benefit from the elevated highway, allowing through traffic to bypass them. Additionally, the project includes widening the Duc Nho and Ong Dau bridges, and installing an intelligent traffic management system with barrier-free, non-stop electronic toll collection to prevent vehicle backlogs. While plans to widen National Highway 13 have been on the table for over two decades, they were previously stalled by regulatory hurdles and funding shortages. The recent implementation of special mechanisms under Resolution 98 has paved the way for this project, offering hope for a transformation of the eastern part of the city's transportation infrastructure. The project is divided into two components: component 1, funded by the city's budget at approximately VND 14.4 trillion for land acquisition and compensation, and component 2, the BOT project costing nearly VND 6.3 trillion, to be financed by investors. National Highway 13 serves as a vital link connecting Ho Chi Minh City's center with Thu Duc City, Binh Duong, and the former Binh Phuoc province, and also provides access to the Mien Dong Bus Station. However, its current six-lane configuration is a constant source of traffic jams. Land clearance for the project is currently being expedited. Source: VnExpress