Major Ho Chi Minh City underpass closed due to flooding, snarls traffic

Ho Chi Minh City's largest underpass at the An Phu interchange was temporarily sealed off Friday morning as drainage crews worked to clear standing floodwater from the structure. The closure of the heavily-trafficked facility created immediate gridlock, with vehicle queues extending more than 2 kilometers as commuters navigated alternative routes through the congested thoroughfare.

The temporary shutdown disrupted morning rush-hour traffic across one of the city's critical transportation arteries, forcing drivers to seek detours and contributing to widespread delays across the metropolitan area. Authorities did not immediately specify the cause of the water accumulation or provide a timeline for reopening the underpass.

The incident underscores persistent drainage challenges at major traffic hubs in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly during monsoon seasons when heavy rainfall can overwhelm existing infrastructure. The An Phu interchange serves as a vital connector linking multiple districts and regularly handles substantial traffic volumes.

Officials urged motorists to exercise patience and consider alternate routes while remedial work proceeded. The closure remained in effect until floodwater levels receded sufficiently to allow safe passage of vehicles through the underpass.