An annual fire drill is scheduled to take place at the Saigon River Tunnel, or Thu Thiem Tunnel, in Ho Chi Minh City this weekend to train responders for future emergencies.

The underwater tunnel, which connects the city’s District 1 and District 2, will be closed for two hours between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, vehicles will be banned from entering the tunnel from District 2.

On Sunday, the tunnel will be completely closed to traffic from both entrances in District 1 and District 2.

Below are alternative routes:

From District 2:

Route 1: Mai Chi Tho Street -> Ven Ho Trung Tam Street -> Nguyen Co Thach Street -> Thu Thiem Bridge -> Nguyen Huu Canh Bridge -> Ton Duc Thang Street -> Le Duan Street -> Hai Ba Trung Street -> Ton Duc Thang Street -> Vo Van Kiet Street

Route 2: Mai Chi Tho Street -> Dong Van Cong Street -> Vo Chi Cong Street -> Phu My Bridge -> Nguyen Van Linh Street -> National Highway 1

From District 1:

Route 1: Vo Van Kiet Street -> Calmette Bridge -> Hoang Dieu Street -> Nguyen Tat Thanh Street -> Khanh Hoi Bridge -> Ton Duc Thang Street -> Nguyen Huu Canh Street -> Thu Thiem Bridge -> Nguyen Co Thach Street -> Mai Chi Tho Street

Route 2: Vo Van Kiet Street -> Ky Con Street -> Nguyen Cong Tru Street -> Ho Tung Mau Street -> the underpass below Khanh Hoi Bridge -> Ton Duc Thang Street -> Nguyen Huu Canh Street -> Thu Thiem Bridge -> Nguyen Co Thach Street -> Mai Chi Tho Street

Route 3: Vo Van Kiet Street -> Calmette Bridge -> Hoang Dieu Street -> Nguyen Tat Thanh Street -> Tan Thuan 2 Bridge -> Nguyen Van Linh Street -> Phu My Bridge -> Vo Chi Cong Street -> Nguyen Thi Dinh Street -> Dong Van Cong Street -> Mai Chi Tho Street

Traffic is expected to return to normal after the exercise.

The firefighting drill, an annual activity, is aimed at preparations to respond to possible incidents and minimize damage.

Opened to traffic in late 2011, the Saigon River Tunnel runs 27 meters under the Saigon River at the deepest point and is the longest underwater tunnel in Southeast Asia as well as the first in Vietnam.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!