Traffic in both directions between Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai was severely congested around Dong Nai Bridge on October 1, with queues stretching nearly 10km.
The worst congestion occurred on National Highway 1, National Highway 51 and at Vung Tau Intersection, extending across Dong Nai Bridge towards Ho Chi Minh City.
The tailback extended from the Dong Nai Bridge area to the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway interchange on Vo Nguyen Giap Street. Thousands of cars inched forward metre by metre along Vo Nguyen Giap Street and National Highway 51.
The Dong Nai City Traffic Police Division said the congestion was caused by road repairs to address subsidence beneath the Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road 3 bridge, at the Tan Van Intersection in Ho Chi Minh City.
Not only National Highway 1 and National Highway 51, but also Vo Nguyen Giap Street and Bui Van Hoa Street around Gate 11 saw prolonged congestion. Container lorries, trucks and cars formed multiple lines and moved slowly along Vo Nguyen Giap Street.
The gridlock left cars unable to cross at an intersection on National Highway 51. Many drivers said they had never seen congestion at the Dong Nai gateway last from morning until afternoon as it did on this day.
Many lorries and cars were forced to remain stationary on the road for long periods. At times, traffic was at a standstill for nearly 30 minutes before inching forward again.
The prolonged congestion around Dong Nai Bridge caused many students and workers to arrive late.
Many drivers travelling on National Highway 51 appeared exhausted after taking a long time to get through the more than 8km stretch towards Ho Chi Minh City.
Many motorcyclists squeezed through gaps between lanes of cars on National Highway 51 in the section passing through Long Binh Ward, Dong Nai City.
"I travelled from Trang Bom to the Vietnam National University urban area in Ho Chi Minh City, but after nearly an hour I had only reached Gate 11. Looking at the map, the congestion appears to stretch as far as the new Mien Dong Bus Station. I do not know what time I will reach Ho Chi Minh City," Pham Van Quy of Dong Nai City said.
Traffic police advised motorists travelling through the area to remain alert, reduce speed, maintain a safe distance and follow instructions from officers.
Drivers were also advised to monitor traffic conditions and choose alternative routes where possible.
