Ho Chi Minh City narrows key roundabout in preparation for second metro line project

Many residents and commuters have been surprised at the shrinkage of the key roundabout.

Though some were initially uncertain about the reason, they speculated that the narrowing of the space was intended to facilitate traffic flow amid the ongoing construction activities.

As observed by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper’s reporters on Thursday, construction crews had trimmed a section of the roundabout from the direction of Ba Thang Hai Street turning right onto Cach Mang Thang Tam Street.

This area has been leveled and paved, allowing vehicles to pass through and expanding available road space for traffic.

Nearby, the stretch between Cach Mang Thang Tam and Nguyen Thuong Hien Streets is currently under active construction for an underground station that will serve metro line No. 2.

At the beginning of Ba Thang Hai Street, a large construction barrier has been erected as part of the same project.

A representative from the Road Traffic Infrastructure Management Center under the municipal Department of Construction said that the shrinkage of the roundabout was part of the preparatory work for relocating underground utilities and setting the groundwork for the future metro station.

The line will span from Ben Thanh Station in the city center to Tham Luong Station in the northwest, over 11 kilometers, including about 9.2 kilometers underground and the remainder elevated.

“This location will eventually house an underground station for metro line No. 2," the representative stated.

“In the short term, narrowing the roundabout helps improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. 

"Once the project is completed, the roundabout will be restored to its original layout and appearance."

Over the past few days, traffic police have been deployed to manage traffic at the site.

The project investor had previously pledged to work with contractors and construction teams to accelerate progress in order to complete the necessary work and restore the road surface by October.