Traffic jams persist on Vietnam's Bao Loc Pass amid ongoing bridge construction

Between Tuesday and Friday, truck and bus drivers frequently reported severe traffic jams on the pass, particularly in the afternoon hours, with congestion primarily affecting the route from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat.

At times, traffic backups occurred in both directions.

The prolonged gridlock has disrupted freight transport and significantly impacted tourist travel to Da Lat.

On Friday afternoon, Tuoi Tre (Youth) reporters observed traffic backups stretching approximately 10 kilometers on the pass. 

Despite instructions from the Lam Dong Department of Construction restricting construction work to nighttime hours and pausing activities on weekends, construction crews continued work outside the designated times.

"It took us nearly two hours to pass a short section of the pass," Tran Nguyen, a 32-year-old tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, said. 

"The congestion was so bad that I got off the bus to walk for comfort. 

"I walked until the end of the pass and waited 30 minutes, but the bus still hadn't caught up."

Congestion extended about four kilometers toward the Bao Loc center as well.

Traffic police have deployed officers to manage traffic at both ends of the pass. 

However, the narrow road and 50-percent lane closures caused by construction barriers have made traffic flow difficult.

The Lam Dong Department of Construction said the Bao Loc 2 Bridge upgrade project, managed by Road Management Unit IV and executed by the Sao Viet – Cau 11 Thang Long joint venture, began on November 11, 2024. 

Initially slated for completion on February 9, 2025, the deadline was extended to July 10 following design revisions.

In June, local authorities urged the contractor to accelerate progress and suspend weekend work to ease congestion on National Highway 20 through Bao Loc Pass.

According to Road Management Unit IV, the unit has agreed on construction schedules with the Lam Dong Department of Construction. 

However, pressure to meet deadlines may have led contractors to work during unauthorized hours.

A unit representative said discussions will be held with the contractor to adjust construction activities. 

The representative also asked for public understanding amid current inconveniences and expressed commitment to completing the Bao Loc 2 Bridge by August 28.

The representative also cited ongoing upgrades on National Highway 28B from old Binh Thuan Province to Da Lat, which has increased traffic pressure on National Highway 20 as vehicles avoid the Ho Chi Minh City–Phan Thiet Expressway route previously used to access Da Lat.