VietNamNet Bridge – With construction barriers being pulled down following orders from HCM City authorities, residents are relieved to be able to drive freely on the city's streets again.

Around 90 per cent of all barriers were set to go by yesterday, Jan 27, the deadline set by the Department of Transport, which has allowed them to remain at certain sites.

Contractors of urban upgrade and environmental works, including on Ky Con, Vo Thi Sau, Hai Ba Trung and Cau Kieu streets in Districts 1 and 3, have finished clearing fences and debris, local authorities said.

Nguyen Van Kieng of District 3 said commuters no longer have to endure the traffic jams caused by the barriers.

"I wish the barriers never come up again," he said wistfully. Unfortunately for him and other commuters, they will come up again when work resumes after the Lunar New Year.

At the 10 sites where the barriers do not have to be pulled down — on Hoang Sa and Truong Sa Streets along the Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe canal and one at the intersection Vu Tung – Bui Huu Nghia – the authorities have ordered the contractors to keep them to the minimum and clean the sites.

There are around 60 work sites on 32 streets, half the 2009 number.

An additional 20 kilometres of roads will be dug up after Tet.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News