The Traffic Crisis on National Highway 51 and the HCMC–Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway
Tran Ngoc Thanh, a seasoned 45-year-old driver, frequently navigates the cramped corridors of National Highway 51 and the HCMC–Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway, transporting passengers between Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Despite the fact that this journey spans less than 60 kilometers, the realities of traffic make the trip feel labyrinthine.
The Reality of Delays
On a good day, speeding along at the maximum limit of 120 kph is a possibility; however, delays can stretch between two to three hours. Road repairs, accidents, and the sheer volume of vehicles can turn a straightforward drive into an exhausting ordeal. Over the past decade, Tran has transitioned from transporting goods via truck to shuttling passengers in a seven-seat vehicle, yet the congestion levels on the primary expressway linking these two bustling areas have escalated alarmingly. Hotspots like the National Highway 51 interchange, Long Thanh Bridge, and An Phu often become bottlenecks, even during what are traditionally quieter hours.
“Before each trip, I diligently check maps and online traffic updates in hopes of sidestepping jam-packed routes,” he admits, “but options are limited.” The alternative routes, including National Highway 51 and Dong Nai Bridge, are often just as clogged.
Drivers stuck for hours waiting to enter the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway when it was under repair, July 17, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran
The Future of Long Thanh Airport
Adding to the existing challenges is the impending opening of Long Thanh Airport, forecasted to amplify traffic woes if infrastructure improvements are not made concurrent with the airport’s development. Many drivers, like Tran, who shuttle passengers to Tan Son Nhat airport feel the weight of this impending pressure. As future passenger volumes surge, the urgency to expand existing road systems becomes ever more pronounced.
With National Highway 51 and the Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway both at capacity, alternate routes such as National Highway 1K and Pham Van Dong Boulevard offer little respite. Recent repairs to expansion joints on the HCMC–Dau Giay Expressway led to harrowing congestion, causing some drivers to take anywhere from eight to ten hours just to navigate the roughly 100-kilometer stretch between HCMC and Vung Tau.
Long Thanh Airport’s Ambitious Blueprint
Envisioned as Vietnam’s largest airport, Long Thanh is constructed on a sprawling 5,000 hectares and carries a staggering price tag of VND336 trillion (US$12.8 billion). The ambitious first phase aims for substantial completion by the end of this year, looking towards an inauguration in 2026. This new hub is set to accommodate a staggering 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo annually. Long Thanh Airport does not merely represent an advancement in travel infrastructure; it is intended to serve as a “growth pole” for Southern Vietnam’s economy, positioning HCMC as the vital center.
The Need for Enhanced Infrastructure
Traveling between HCMC and Long Thanh currently hinges on two main routes, both riddled with congestion. Though there are plans underway for additional arterial routes such as the Ben Luc–Long Thanh Expressway and HCMC’s Ring Road 3, these projects remain in various stages of development. Other essential links, including the Thu Thiem–Long Thanh railroad and a metro connection to Tan Son Nhat airport, are still in planning phases, adding to the uncertainty of future transport conditions.
Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son warns that without a synchronized effort to complete connecting infrastructure, traffic congestion will continue to escalate significantly once the airport opens.
Long Thanh airport’s terminal under construction in Dong Nai Province, July 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Phuoc Tuan
Moving Forward — A Call to Action
To mitigate traffic pressures in the run-up to Long Thanh’s grand opening, experts underscore the urgency to expand both the Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway and Ring Road 3. Dinh The Hien, an urban economist, agrees, emphasizing that as many projects may require time to stabilize, Long Thanh needs to achieve peak efficiency around 2027 or 2028.
The successful operation of the new airport hinges on the early completion of significant infrastructure projects. Initiatives such as smart bus routes for passengers transitioning from domestic to international flights are essential for streamlined travel right from the airport’s opening phase.
Plans by the Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) indicate that the long-anticipated widening of the HCMC–Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway is likely to commence soon, targeting a completion goal by 2026. The project aims to dramatically enhance vehicle flow by expanding the roadway from four lanes to between eight and ten.
As Vietnam braves its journey towards modernization, thorough planning and collaborative effort among planners, engineers, and regulatory bodies are crucial. The vision for Long Thanh International Airport and its surrounding infrastructure lays not just the foundation for enhanced connectivity but also acts as a catalyst for future economic growth in the region.