Ho Chi Minh City department eyes flexible work hours, relocation of schools, hospitals to ease congestion
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction has announced plans to study staggered work schedules and the relocation of schools and hospitals out of the city center to reduce congestion, as part of a broader strategy to improve traffic flow starting in 2026.
Ly Thanh Long, chief of office at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre
Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, Ly Thanh Long, chief of office at the Department of Construction, said the city will roll out multiple measures starting this year to ease gridlock and traffic accidents.
Key projects include addressing bottlenecks on routes connecting the Mekong Delta, southeastern provinces, and northern gateways to ensure smoother transport of goods and travel for residents and visitors.
The city will also explore ways to shorten travel times from Thu Dau Mot to the center, strengthen links between Long Thanh International Airport and downtown, and improve connections to Ba Ria-Vung Tau and other emerging areas.
To support these efforts, the Department of Construction will work with the Department of Finance to secure sufficient budget allocations for urgent projects.
Nine steel overpasses are scheduled to begin construction in 2026 and finish in 2027.
The construction department is drafting plans to relocate major institutions, including government offices, universities, vocational schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities outside the city center.
Adjustments to working, school, and business hours will also be studied to reduce peak-hour traffic, though officials stressed this will not be applied across the board.
Between 2026 and 2027, the city aims to complete 48 approved projects, implement 15 urgent public investment projects, and start 114 new projects slated for completion before 2030.
In addition, 15 emergency works will be carried out to ease congestion while waiting for full-scale upgrades at key intersections.
Connectivity projects with Long Thanh Airport will be accelerated, including the An Phu interchange, the expansion of the Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway, and studies on the Thu Thiem-Long Thanh railway line.
Seven road projects are expected to be completed between 2026 and 2028, alongside five new public waterway transport routes between 2026 and 2027.
Minh Duy - Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre News