The My Yen Interchange, a colossal infrastructure project valued at over 115 trillion Vietnamese Dong (approximately $4.5 billion USD), is set to undergo technical handover soon, marking a significant milestone in Vietnam's transportation network. Located near Ho Chi Minh City, this strategic interchange will connect three vital expressways: the Ho Chi Minh City-Trung Luong Expressway, the Ben Luc-Long Thanh Expressway, and Ho Chi Minh City's Ring Road 3. Its completion promises to dramatically reduce travel times, ease congestion, and catalyze economic development across the Southern Key Economic Region.
A Critical Junction Takes Shape
The My Yen Interchange, situated in Ben Luc District, Long An Province (though some recent reports inaccurately place it in Tay Ninh due to geographical shifts in project scope), is quickly becoming a symbol of modern infrastructure development in Southern Vietnam. This multi-level interchange is designed to seamlessly integrate three of the region's most crucial expressways:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong Expressway: A long-standing artery connecting HCMC with the Mekong Delta, in operation for 15 years.
- Ben Luc - Long Thanh Expressway: A nearly 58km route traversing Long An, HCMC, and Dong Nai provinces, with some sections already in use.
- Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road 3: A strategic beltway around HCMC, currently under rapid construction with significant sections nearing completion.
With a staggering total investment of over 115 trillion VND, the My Yen Interchange is not merely a convergence point but a complex engineering marvel featuring numerous bridge pillars, ramps, and approach roads that have been rapidly taking shape over the past three years. Road surfacing and signage systems are largely complete, and construction teams are working diligently to finalize the remaining elements for the upcoming technical handover.
Alleviating Congestion and Boosting Regional Economy
The strategic importance of the My Yen Interchange cannot be overstated. Ho Chi Minh City, as Vietnam's economic powerhouse, frequently grapples with severe traffic congestion, particularly at its gateways. This new interchange is expected to be a game-changer in several key ways:
Reduced Travel Times: By providing direct connections between the three expressways, the interchange will significantly shorten travel durations for goods and passengers moving between the southwestern, southeastern, and Ho Chi Minh City regions. This is especially vital for logistics and trade.
Easing Pressure on National Highway 1: The current reliance on National Highway 1, a perpetually congested route, will be greatly alleviated as traffic is diverted onto the more efficient expressway network.
Enhanced Regional Connectivity: The interchange will form a comprehensive inter-regional transportation network, foster stronger economic ties and facilitating the movement of people and resources across provinces like Long An, Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, and Binh Duong.
Catalyst for Development: Improved connectivity is a fundamental driver of economic growth. The My Yen Interchange is anticipated to unlock significant potential for real estate development, attract new investments, and support the expansion of urban areas surrounding Ho Chi Minh City.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Southern Transport
The technical handover of the My Yen Interchange marks a critical step towards its full operational launch. This event signifies that the core structures are complete and ready for final inspections and testing before vehicles can fully utilize its pathways.
As the Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road 3 and the Ben Luc-Long Thanh Expressway continue their phased openings, the My Yen Interchange will cement its role as one of the largest and most pivotal transportation hubs in the western gateway of Ho Chi Minh City. This "super interchange" is poised to usher in a new era of efficient and modern transportation, fundamentally reshaping the economic and social landscape of Southern Vietnam.