Impact Level: Notification
Locations Affected: National Highway 51, Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Tracking Id: RINTP4475267312
Description:
As per reports, the Department of Construction of Dong Nai Province has announced that new traffic adjustments on National Highway 51 will take effect from Sunday (07 December), following an order issued on Saturday (29 November) to modify traffic signs and lane guidance.
From Sunday (07 December), all drivers travelling on National Highway 51 will be required to follow instructions issued by traffic controllers and the updated guidance system, including signs and painted lane markings.
• Under the revised organisation, the two leftmost lanes adjacent to the median strip will be designated exclusively for cars. The third lane from the median strip on both sides of the road will be designated for cars and passenger vehicles with fewer than thirty seats. The rightmost lane will be reserved for two and three wheeled vehicles and motorbikes.
• Each side of the highway is divided into four lanes of approximately three point five metres each. Currently, lane one is allocated for cars and small passenger vehicles, lanes two and three are for cars travelling straight, while lane four near the curb is for motorbikes, scooters, and slow-moving vehicles.
• The inspection team reviewed concerns regarding the proposed adjustment of left turns and U-turns to lane three to align with traffic arrangements on the section of National Highway 51 passing through Ho Chi Minh City.
• Although the change would increase turning radius and provide more space for long vehicles, the team noted that the average distance between intersections on the Dong Nai section is 1.63 kilometres, which is relatively close compared to Ho Chi Minh City.
• Additionally, traffic volume in Dong Nai is higher and vehicles making U-turns are limited, with most traffic making left turns. This raised concerns over potential congestion if left-turning vehicles were moved to lane three. Therefore, lane one will remain the designated lane for left turns and U-turns on the Dong Nai section.
• For comparison, Ho Chi Minh City has implemented similar lane adjustments on its section of National Highway 51 for nearly two weeks, reserving the two left lanes for cars, the third lane for cars and passenger vans with fewer than 30 seats, and the rightmost lane for two and three-wheeled vehicles.
Impact:
• Businesses situated along National Highway 51 may observe short-term adjustments in customer access as drivers adapt to the new lane allocation. Logistics companies operating heavy trucks may experience smoother traffic flow in the long term, although initial days may involve slower movement due to the transition.
• Commuters who frequently travel the route may face delays as they adjust to revised lane designations and increased enforcement from traffic controllers. Motorbike users, who will now be confined to the rightmost lane, may encounter more consistent but potentially slower movement, especially during peak periods when truck density is high.
• Public transport along the route may have minor delays while adjusting to new merging behaviour.
Recommendations:
Travellers are advised to plan additional travel time during the initial days following implementation of the new traffic plan. Drivers are advised to follow the updated signage closely and adhere to lane allocations, especially when navigating left turns or U-turns at designated points.
Sources:
• https://nld.com.vn/chi-tiet-phuong-an-dieu-chinh-giao-thong-tren-quoc-lo-51-qua-dong-nai-nguoi-dan-can-luu-y-196251129153906404.htm
• https://taybacsaigon.com/huong-dan-di-quoc-lo-51-dong-nai/
