As Ho Chi Minh City continues its rapid urban development, traffic congestion remains a critical issue. However, 2025 marks a turning point with the completion of several major infrastructure projects designed to alleviate pressure on key transport routes and enhance regional connectivity.

1. Tan Son Nhat Airport Terminal 3 – A game-changer for aviation

Tan Son Nhat International Airport’s Terminal 3, launched in late 2022 with an investment of nearly $450 million, is set to open on April 30, 2025, two months ahead of schedule.

Once operational, the terminal will accommodate over 20 million passengers annually, serving up to 7,000 passengers per hour at peak times.

The project aims to address the long-standing congestion at the existing airport terminals by handling both domestic and international flights more efficiently.

Currently, construction progress has reached 85% completion, with interior finishing and equipment installation underway.

2. Tran Quoc Hoan – Cong Hoa Connector: Easing airport access

Launched in late 2022 with a budget of $197 million, this road project will create a new direct route to Tan Son Nhat Airport, reducing dependency on the heavily congested Truong Son Road.

The 4.4-kilometer, six-lane road will connect Tran Quoc Hoan Street to Cong Hoa Street, significantly improving traffic flow in the area. A 17-meter-wide, 980-meter-long overpass in front of Terminal 3 has already been completed.

Additionally, a 42-meter-long underground tunnel at the Phan Thuc Duyen – Tran Quoc Hoan intersection was opened in August 2024, providing further relief for commuters.

The remaining sections of the project are expected to be finished by the end of 2025, aligning with the opening of Terminal 3.

3. National Highway 50 expansion – Strengthening southern connectivity

The $61 million expansion of National Highway 50, a key transport artery connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Long An Province, is another crucial project set for completion in 2025.

Spanning 6.92 kilometers, the project includes a 4.3-kilometer parallel road and a 2.56-kilometer expansion of the existing highway, increasing the number of lanes from four to six.

The upgrade will significantly improve traffic capacity, facilitating smoother movement between Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.

A major section of the highway has already been opened, and authorities aim to complete the final stretches within 2025.

The improved highway will also connect seamlessly to key routes such as the Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway and Ring Road 3.

4. An Phu Interchange – A vital hub in the city’s east

With a budget exceeding $140 million, the An Phu Interchange is a landmark infrastructure project designed to alleviate congestion in Ho Chi Minh City’s eastern gateway.

The three-tier interchange includes:

A tunnel connecting the Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway to Mai Chi Tho Street, bypassing a major traffic bottleneck.

Two overpasses allowing seamless traffic flow in multiple directions.

A central roundabout and landmark tower, enhancing the city’s aesthetic appeal.

Currently, major structures such as the Ba Dat and Giong Ong To 2 bridges have been completed. The interchange is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025, significantly improving connectivity to Long Thanh International Airport.

5. Ring Road 3 – A transformative regional link

As one of Vietnam’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, Ho Chi Minh City’s Ring Road 3 is making significant progress. By 2025, two critical sections will be completed:

Nhon Trach Bridge ($275 million) – a key structure linking Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai Province. The bridge is being constructed ahead of schedule and is expected to open on April 30, 2025.

14.7-kilometer elevated roadway through Thu Duc City – This section, designed to ease congestion along the eastern corridor, is also set for completion by the end of 2025.

Once finished, Ring Road 3 will be a vital regional connector, enhancing links between Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Long An. The project will also improve access to Long Thanh International Airport, reducing travel times and congestion in the eastern districts.

A vision for seamless urban mobility

According to Deputy Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Bui Xuan Cuong, these projects will play a crucial role in transforming the city’s transport landscape.

"Ring Road 3 and other key projects will not only ease congestion but also enhance regional connectivity, supporting economic growth in Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces," he emphasized.

With these five major projects nearing completion, Ho Chi Minh City is set to enter a new phase of improved traffic efficiency and urban mobility, benefiting millions of residents and travelers alike.

Tuan Kiet