Infrastructure Advancements in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is undergoing significant urban expansion, but traffic congestion remains a pressing concern. As 2025 approaches, the city will see the completion of various major infrastructure initiatives aimed at easing traffic flow on essential routes and improving regional connectivity.

One of the key projects is the new Terminal 3 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, which will officially open on April 30, 2025, ahead of schedule. This terminal, constructed at a cost of nearly $450 million, will accommodate over 20 million passengers annually, with the capacity to handle 7,000 passengers per hour at peak times. The initiative is designed to alleviate the congestion experienced at the current airport terminals by enhancing the efficiency of both domestic and international flights.

The construction of Terminal 3 is currently at 85% completion, focusing on interior work and equipment setup.

Another significant development is a $197 million road project that will provide a direct route to Tan Son Nhat Airport, helping to decrease reliance on the crowded Truong Son Road. This new 4.4-kilometer, six-lane road will link Tran Quoc Hoan Street to Cong Hoa Street, greatly improving traffic conditions in the vicinity. A newly completed overpass in front of Terminal 3 measures 17 meters wide and spans 980 meters. Furthermore, an underground tunnel at the Phan Thuc Duyen – Tran Quoc Hoan intersection was opened in August 2024, alleviating commuter congestion. The remaining work is expected to finish by the end of 2025, coinciding with the Terminal 3 launch.

Another vital project is the $61 million expansion of National Highway 50, which serves as a crucial link between Ho Chi Minh City and Long An Province. This 6.92-kilometer expansion involves adding a 4.3-kilometer parallel road and extending the existing highway by 2.56 kilometers, increasing the lane count from four to six. Once completed, this upgrade will enhance traffic capacity and streamline travel between Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. A significant portion of the highway has already opened, with authorities aiming for completion within 2025, ensuring seamless connections to major routes like the Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway and Ring Road 3.

With an investment of over $140 million, the An Phu Interchange is another flagship project aimed at easing congestion at the city’s eastern entrance. This multi-level interchange features:

• A tunnel that provides direct access from the Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway to Mai Chi Tho Street, bypassing traffic hotspots.
• Two overpasses designed for smooth traffic transitions in various directions.
• A central roundabout, accompanied by an iconic tower, adding to the city’s visual appeal.

The construction of major components, including the Ba Dat and Giong Ong To 2 bridges, is already complete. The interchange is set to be operational by late 2025, significantly enhancing connectivity to Long Thanh International Airport.

Among the most ambitious projects in Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City’s Ring Road 3, which is progressing well. By 2025, two critical segments will be finished:

• A $275 million Nhon Trach Bridge that connects Ho Chi Minh City with Dong Nai Province, slated for completion on April 30, 2025.
• A 14.7-kilometer elevated section through Thu Duc City, aimed at reducing congestion in the eastern sector, expected to be completed by the year-end.

Once fully operational, Ring Road 3 will serve as a key regional corridor, linking Ho Chi Minh City with Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Long An while enhancing access to Long Thanh International Airport, thereby decreasing travel times and easing traffic in the eastern districts.

Deputy Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Bui Xuan Cuong, stated the importance of these ventures, emphasizing that “Ring Road 3 and the other key projects will significantly reduce congestion and improve regional connectivity, further fostering economic development in Ho Chi Minh City and its neighboring areas.” With these five major initiatives set for completion, the city is on track for a transformative enhancement in traffic management and urban mobility, which will greatly benefit its residents and visitors.