Hanoi's bold move to ease traffic congestion at southern gate 

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has green-lighted an investment of VND301 billion (US$12.6 million) to build a one-kilometer road connecting the Hoang Mai District administrative area to Route 2.5 in the new Thinh Liet neighborhood to boost regional connectivity.

Scheduled to begin in 2025, the project aims to alleviate chronic traffic congestion, particularly on the Phap Van - Cau Gie Expressway and Ring Road 2.5, the city's southern gate that accommodates increasing flows of vehicles in and out.

The Hoang Mai District People's Committee will oversee the construction of the road, which will be 30m wide and constructed with high-quality asphalt (A1 grade). The project will include comprehensive infrastructure such as drainage, water supply, electrical networks, lighting, trees, sidewalks, and technical trenches.

In addition to relieving congestion, the new route is expected to spur development in Thinh Liet and surrounding areas and improve emergency response capabilities like firefighting and ambulance access.

The initiative reflects Hanoi's broader efforts to modernize its road network and support urban growth in the southeastern districts of the city.

For years, the Phap Van - Cau Gie Expressway and Ring Road 2.5 have remained major congestion points in Hanoi, particularly during rush hours and holidays. As eastern districts like Hoang Mai continue to expand with new urban developments such as Thinh Liet, the pressure on the city’s already overloaded infrastructure has intensified, raising urgent concerns about traffic management and urban planning.

Previous attempts to alleviate congestion, such as traffic signal optimization and road widening, have provided only temporary relief. Against this backdrop, the new connector road represents a strategic effort to address systemic gridlock while supporting the area’s rapid urbanization.