Da Lat to install more traffic lights for congestion relief

The proposal, to be evaluated by the Lam Dong Province Department of Planning and Investment before being sent to the Lam Dong People's Committee for approval, aims to complete Da Lat's traffic network and resolve traffic jams.

The project would also upgrade and renovate roads.

The first traffic lights in Da Lat, a popular hill town, were installed earlier this year at the Hoang Van Thu-Tran Phu-Ba Thang Hai intersection, and signal lights were installed in six other intersections. The traffic police department said the lights have been useful in relieving congestion, especially during weekends and holidays.

In the early 20th century, when the French planned constructions in Da Lat, they expected the population to be at around 90,000 people, resulting in narrow and small roads without traffic lights. But the population has boomed to around 230,000 nowadays, and before the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, the town received over 7 million tourists a year.

To relieve congestion during peak times, Da Lat is constructing a ring road and planning for two parking lots in the suburbs.