Four kilometers in length, the road along To Lich River in the southwest of Hanoi will soon become a pedestrian street and the longest in the capital.

The change is part of a project to expand Duong Lang Street in Dong Da district and reduce traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, and provide a new space for people to exercise and relax. It is also expected to create a clean and beautiful urban landscape in the area, which has seen a number of new buildings in recent years.

Only pedestrians and bicycles are allowed on the street. One side is for growing trees, plants and flowers for a green and nice view, while the other side, next to the river, has a handrail for safety.

After nearly three months of construction, the pedestrian street is almost completed and has been warmly welcomed by local residents, many of whom have already started to use it.

One, 77-year-old Nguyen Thanh Tan, told local media that the opening of the pedestrian street was a good idea as there is no space nearby for him to exercise or take his grandchildren out to play after school. The dense traffic is also a constant danger. He now takes a walk with his grandchildren every day for half an hour after picking them from school in the late afternoon.

Residents also expressed an expectation of projects being introduced to clean up the river.

Hanoi has two pedestrian streets at the moment, in the city center in Hoan Kiem District, including the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake, and in Trinh Cong Son Street, Tay Ho district, which opened last year.

Both feature food, clothes, and souvenir shops on weekends and provide more evening activities and entertainment for local people and tourists. The pedestrian street in Trinh Cong Son Street is also expected to help lessen the burden on the pedestrian street around Hoan Kiem Lake, especially on weekends. The pedestrian street in Hoan Kiem district welcomes around 3,000-5,000 visitors during the day and 12,000-20,000 at night, according to the district’s People’s Committee.

VN Economic Times