Commuters face significant delays, and disruptions as all traffic from Ba Ria - Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City is rerouted through this already busy highway.

This afternoon, thousands of vehicles were reported moving at a snail's pace, with drivers experiencing frustration and exhaustion after enduring nearly two hours of delays.

The congestion was most severe from the Tan Mai 2 Market in Phuoc Tan ward to the roundabout gate 11 in Bien Hoa city, where traffic was nearly paralyzed over a stretch of more than 5 kilometers. 

The traffic situation was further exacerbated by trucks and buses encroaching on motorcycle lanes, complicating movement for smaller vehicles. 

In some instances, motorcyclists were forced to dangerously mount curbs to find a way through the gridlock. Additionally, a container truck breakdown during peak hours added to the chaos, blocking the flow of traffic and causing further delays.

Truck driver Van Binh from Binh Buong noted the significant impact of the expressway closure on his routine. "Since the closure, my travel time has doubled," he said. "It not only disrupts my schedule but also leads to increased fuel expenses."

The closure is part of an 18-day construction project that began on September 5 to repair expansion joints on the Long Thanh bridge, a crucial segment of the expressway. The Vietnam Expressway Services Engineering Corporation (VEC E) has outlined alternative routes to mitigate the impact:

- From Dau Giay - Ho Chi Minh City: Drivers can continue on National Highway 1 or take branch B of the National Highway 51 junction towards Nga 4 Vung Tau, proceeding to Ho Chi Minh City.

- From Phan Thiet - Ho Chi Minh City: After the toll station at km94+450, drivers can either proceed to branch B, turning right towards National Highway 51, or move towards Dau Giay toll station and follow National Highway 1.

- From National Highway 51 - Ho Chi Minh City: Continue straight towards Nga 4 Vung Tau and on to Ho Chi Minh City.

VEC E has committed to minimizing construction time and has been proactive in informing the public about the disruptions, emphasizing that the closure at National Highway 51 is an essential measure during the repair period.

Hoang Anh