Hanoi Ring Road 2, which runs through Cau Giay District has become particularly well-known thanks to the preservation of an old banyan tree within the median.
About 1,500 households and the headquarters of many state agencies and other buildings had to be moved for the project. Hanoi’s Department of Construction also cut down 17 mahogany trees, but preserved an old banyan tree and village gate following lobbying from residents.
There is no definitive date for the 20-metre high tree, but a 105 year-old local man claims it was fully grown when he was born.
"This tree has witnessed our history and changes throughout the time," Lai Bo Truong, a resident in Nghia Do Ward said.
The 43.6 kilometre long Ring Road 2 will connect Minh Khai, Truong Chinh and the Hanel-Vinh Tuy Industrial Zone. The construction from Nhat Tan Ward to Cau Giay District started in 2012 and will cost USD304 million.
The road began trial operation in October. Hanoi Vice
Chairman Nguyen Quoc Hung urged for speedier work so that the road could be opened for traffic by Lunar New Year.
Some photos of the street:
Hanoi Ring Road 2
The old banyan tree and village gate