A major project is underway to relieve congestion at a notorious traffic hotspot in Saigon.

VnExpressreports that on April 22, work began on a VND830 billion (US$35.6 million) plan to dramatically transform the Nguyen Van Linh-Nguyen Huu Tho intersection in District 7.

The first phase of the project, which is expected to be completed in June 2022, will see the construction of two 480-meter-long tunnels on Nguyen Van Linh running beneath the intersection. 

The tunnels will allow vehicles to head toward the Tan Thuan Export Processing Zone or National Highway 1A without having to cross Nguyen Huu Tho, as is currently the case.

The tunnels will be 14 meters wide and allow speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour.

Under the second phase of the project, which doesn't have a reported completion date, two overpasses will be constructed at the intersection, though the news source doesn't make clear which road they will be on.

This phase will cost VND1.78 trillion, as a substantial amount of ground will need to be cleared for the work to proceed.

It is expected that using the intersection will be even more of a headache while construction is underway, so perhaps it is best for Saigoneers to seek out alternative routes.

City officials approved the project last July, but the commencement of work was delayed.

[Photo via Moi Truong & Do Thi]