The Nguyen Hue phase of the $20.2 million promenade that will eventually connect downtown Saigon to Thu Thiem will be closed to vehicle traffic on nights, weekends and holidays when it opens later this year.
According to the city’s Transport Department, the street will be free from vehicles between 6pm and 11pm on Saturdays and Sundays and on holidays. However, some trucks will be allowed through on a case-by-case basis, reports Thanh Nien.
Though the city previously planned to make up for the loss of street parking with five underground parking lots located at September 23rd Park, on Ton Duc Thang Street, at Le Van Tam Park and at Trong Dong Theater on Nguyen Du Street, the HCMC Transport Department said that the broad sidewalks of neighboring streets would provide ample space for vehicles.
Instead of relying on signs to keep the area free from motorbikes and cars like in Hanoi, the street will feature sets of “smart pillars” which will automatically raise at certain times of day, blocking vehicle access.
