HCMC uproots 80 mid-street power poles to ease traffic flow

The poles, many leaning to one side and strung with nests of electric wire, were planted along a 1.5 kilometer section of To Hieu Street in Hiep Tan Ward a year ago.

Due to their location, locals have long lamented peak-hour traffic jams, causing a high risk of accidents.

The situation arose following a road innovation project carried out a year ago to fill Hiep Tan Canal, around 1.5 kilometers long, and expand To Hieu Street.

Previously, the 80 power poles stood along the sidewalk of To Hiep, but moved two meters closer after roadworks completed.

Local authorities had planned to send the cables underground, though progress was stalled by two households refusing to allow two electrical substations to be placed in front of their properties.

Three days ago, both households had finally given their consent.

On Wednesday, staff from HCMC Power Corporation uprooted the final power poles.

All electric cables have since been connected to the underground system along the sidewalk of To Hieu Street.

Work to fix the road’s surface will be completed within April.