Serious traffic congestion has been recorded recently at several points along National Highway 31, running through the "litchi hub" of Luc Ngan, Bac Giang Province.
Hundreds of vehicles stop along National Highway 31
The situation has become an annual occurrence during harvest season in Luc Ngan. The most serious congestion often occurs from 6am to 7am and from 1pm to 2pm daily, when transport vehicles arrive to pick up their loads.
This year litchi harvesting season began a bit earlier than normal, around May 30. However, the peak harvesting time started only a few days ago, May 15.
Major traffic jams
The district People’s Committee said litchi season often lasts for around one month, affecting traffic for the entire time.
Doan Van Nam, a litchi grower from Phuong Son Commune, said, “We take it easy now because we're used to the traffic that descends on this area every year." He added that, since the times of the congestion are fairly predictable, it does not disturb the lives of locals very much.
Too many trucks add to traffic congestion
Local authorities in Luc Ngan District said Chinese litchi traders are able to pay higher prices for good quality fruits, setting Vietnamese traders at a disadvantage. To date, around 150 Chinese traders have registered for temporary residence in the district to conduct business.
Tran Quang Tuan, Chairman of Luc Ngan District People’s Committee, said in order to mitigate traffic congestion during peak litchi harvesting seasons, local authorities have taken several measures, including repairing and upgrading roads, asking for the assistance of community organisations and traffic police. Many young volunteers have also helped to enforce traffic regulations.
Roads overwhelmed
“We’ve proposed a plan to build a 2.66-hectare litchi market in Phuong Son Commune. The project has been approved and two three-kilometre roads accessing the market would also be built. We expect this will ease the situation,” Tan noted.
