Expanding urban open space a view from the North - West of Danang

(Vietnam Logistics Review)Together with the expanding the urban open space, the projects of building Lien Chieu international port, relocating train station from the downtown to Hoa Minh ward and building other satellite projects will make the North- West of Danang an attractive new city center.

A time of “separation”

Danang has built many bridges crossing Han River and connecting roads, accelerating the development of the city’s South- West. Meanwhile, there has been nothing changed for the city’s North- West of Lien Chieu district, although it is only 5 kilometers away from the city center and it is one of the most populated areas of Danang.

One of the reasons is an inadequacy in traffic. The main road from the city center to the NorthWest- Dien Bien Phu goes through the intersection of Nga Ba Hue- a place known as a hot spot of congestions for years.It is also the junction between the North-South railroad and the intersection of Dien Bien Phu- Truong Chinh- Ton Duc Thang. According to the statistics from Danang Transport Sector, there have been twenty thousand of cars and motorbikes, together with thirty cargo and passenger trains, going through the point. Congestions and accidents have become a nightmare for people going through the place. And the place has been separated from the city center in terms of economy, culture, and urban civilization.

Changes from Hue intersection triple decker overpass

At the end of March 2015, when Hue intersection triple decker overpass opened to traffic and it recently connected to the North- West route 1, the area has had remarkable changes.

Hue intersection triple

The separation between areas no longer remained: the city center has expanded. Mr. Tran Thuc Mai, a used-to-be resident from Hoa Minh Ward, Lien Chieu, Danang, now living in HCMC since 2014, said “I cannot recognize the used-tobe area for its splendid changes”. And Mr. Nguyen Van Lanh, revealed: When the project started, most household residents disagreed for the fear of the business being affected. But now the area looks like a pass and those living in the area still going on with the business of materials for construction and interior decoration, food and beverage… “At night, my customers can enjoy coffee and a view of the over pass,” said Ms. Lien- an owner of a coffee shop north of the overpass.

A start for a modern, civilized city area

From the triple decker overpass, our car was bowling along the North- West route 1. Trees line up along the 4-lane road with a central reservation. Chess-board areas along the road were ready for a new city area. High buildings under construction signaled the wake-up of the area. The North- West route 1 together with Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ton Duc Thang, Nguyen Sinh Sac, Ly Thai Tong, Kinh Duong Vuong… make a complete traffic system of Danang Bay and the North- West area. Mr. Phan Van Phuong, a resident who received a lot in the relocation area said:” First, we all hesitated when seeing an area with deserted swamps. Now, things have actively changed and we decided to live here long.”

According to Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tuan- Deputy Chairman of Danang People’s Committee, beside expanding the urban open space, the city is calling for investments in Lien Chieu International Port, by Danang Bay, the North-West area and other satellite projects, especially one of relocating the downtown train station to Hoa Minh Ward, scheduled in the time of 2017- 2023. The new train station will connect Lien Chieu International Port and Danang- Quang Ngai Express Way for better exploitation efficiency… “The station area will turn to a city complex. This will be a place attracting resources for building warehouses, logistics and trade centers…, giving a new look for the North- West area, as the guideline from the city leaders,” said Tuan.