Cost to create HCMC's model street doubles to $2.6M

The project aims to transform the street in District 1 into a model of urban development, showcasing traffic culture and city center modernization.

The renovation will cover nearly 300 meters, from the Ly Tu Trong intersection to Nguyen Sieu Street. The roadway will be narrowed to five meters, while the sidewalks on both sides will be widened to five meters each, and both will be paved with granite.

New passenger stops, electronic information boards, and upgraded landscaping and lighting will also be added.

Additional features include a surface water drainage system, underground wiring, public lighting poles, decorative arches, smart lighting, and new public amenities such as mobile restrooms, outdoor electrical outlets, and charging stations. Commercial businesses along the street will also be reorganized.

Some components, like the symbolic gateway design and LED lighting at the Thai Van Lung - Le Thanh Ton intersection, will be funded through private capital raised by District 1 authorities.

With these added elements, the project’s total cost has risen to VND63.7 billion, an increase of over VND31 billion.

Of this, more than VND59 billion will come from the city’s budget, and over VND4.2 billion will be raised through private funding. The project is expected to be completed before April 30 next year.

Thai Van Lung Street, which connects Ly Tu Trong and Nguyen Sieu streets, is home to numerous hotels and restaurants serving international tourists but has long struggled with encroachment, illegal vending, and parking.