The transport authority in Ho Chi Minh City and a group of Japanese experts will jointly improve traffic and revitalize Thai Van Lung Street in District 1 as part of the city’s pilot project on inner-city street renovation.

The Ho Chi Minh City administration recently asked the municipal Department of Transport and relevant agencies to carry out the pilot project, with Thai Van Lung Street chosen to undergo the renovation first.

To improve traffic on the entire route, they will roll out a number of measures such as upgrading the roadbed and sidewalks and other ancillary facilities; rearranging vehicle parking spaces and trade activities along the street; and adding facilities and a smart parking system.

The capital to back the project will be sourced from the state coffers and other legal resources.

The city will pay for the living and travel costs of the Japanese experts during the execution of the project.

During a visit to the street on Tuesday this week, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters discovered that sidewalk encroachment remained rampant, while many drivers parked their cars in the driving lanes, hindering the traffic flow.

Since sidewalks were encroached on, local residents and tourists were forced into the roadway, which could expose them to risks of traffic accidents.

Most local inhabitants surveyed by the paper endorsed the street renovation.

Ho Phi Hac, residing in District 1, blamed sidewalk encroachment for the bad condition of downtown streets.

The locals said improving traffic and renovating inner-city areas are a pressing issue to ensure traffic safety and adequate urban landscapes. 

If the renovation on Thai Van Lung Street generates positive outcomes, the city should consider expanding this project to other inner-city streets to help boost socio-economic and tourism growth, Hac suggested.

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