Hanoi Traffic Surge: Residents Return Early Following Tet Celebrations

As the 7-day Lunar New Year holiday draws to a close, the familiar sight of traffic congestion has returned to the gateways of Hanoi. Starting from the afternoon of the 4th day of Tet (February 13th), a massive influx of vehicles began pouring into the capital city. Residents from southern provinces like Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, and Nam Định are heading back early to rest and prepare for the upcoming work week, leading to significant bottlenecks on major routes.

The Phap Van - Cau Gie highway, a primary artery for those entering Hanoi from the south, experienced 'stop-and-go' conditions for several kilometers. Aerial views showed long lines of automobiles inching toward the city center and the Ring Road 3 elevated highway. The transition from the highway into the inner city remains the most difficult 'choke point,' with vehicles stretching from the Linh Dam peninsula to Nguyen Xien. Many travelers noted that they chose to return on the 4th day specifically to avoid the even heavier congestion expected on the final day of the holiday.

To manage the surge, the Highway Traffic Control Patrol Team No. 3, in coordination with highway management units, deployed 'human fences' to direct traffic and prevent gridlock. Authorities opened emergency lanes and diverted traffic at key junctions, such as Km 188 near the Phap Van - Cau Gie toll plaza, to guide vehicles onto parallel frontage roads. Additionally, coordination with the Hanoi City Police helped manage the flow at the intersection of National Highway 1A and Do Muoi Street. Forecasts suggest that the high volume of traffic will persist through the 5th day of Tet, and commuters are advised to monitor traffic apps and plan their routes accordingly to minimize delays.

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