It’s been months since crews began to tear up Nguyen Hue Street in order to transform it into the city’s first pedestrian-only thoroughfare. It looks like we’ll only have to put up with this construction for another few weeks as the Saigon officials announced that the street will open on April 20.
While inspecting the construction site last weekend, Le Thanh Hai, secretary of the municipal Party Unit told reporters that, “The contractors have been told to follow the deadline and ensure quality,” according to Thanh Nien.
This is the first phase of the $20.2 million promenade project that will eventually connect downtown Saigon to Thu Thiem.
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.
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.
