As part of the Urban Transport Improvement Project in Da Nang, a re-arrangement of traffic at the intersection of Tran Phu and Le Duan streets is being trialled.  Over recent days, the traffic flow at the intersection has been considerably improved and the previous traffic congestion has been relieved.  However, some road users still feel unsure as they are not allowed to make direct left-turns from the Han River Bridge into Tran Phu Street.

The Director of the city’s Traffic Signals Control and Public Transport Centre, Mr Dang Nam Son, remarked that there would be other adjustments to the traffic flows at the intersection during the pilot period.  In the past, traffic police officers have been kept directing traffic at the intersection during rush hours, whilst many traffic accidents have occurred especially during off-peak periods.  Now, the movement of vehicles is smooth and the number of accidents has reduced considerably.  Mr Son also noted that the current arrangement of traffic seems sensible and it will help to ensure the safety of both vehicle users and pedestrians.

Traffic controlled by lights at the intersection of Tran Phu and Le Duan streets

According to Mr Saito San, an expert from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, his organisation has given top priority to ensuring the safety of both vehicle users and pedestrians in trialling the re-arrangement of traffic at all five intersections along Le Duan Street.  He added that Vietnamese people in general, and those from Da Nang in particular, have not found it easy to accept the control of traffic by lights.  As a result, drivers often run through red lights which is likely to cause accidents to themselves and other road users, especially pedestrians crossing the street.

Mr Saito also said that, under the pilot project, the focus will now be on continuing to make adjustments to the traffic signal timing parameters and piloting plans to regulate the traffic at the intersection of Tran Phu and Le Duan streets.