Safety Risks and Years of Delays in Removing Abandoned Toll Stations
The demolition of two abandoned toll stations on Vietnam’s most congested highway, National Highway 51, has finally begun after years of bureaucratic delays. Since 2023, the stations—T1 and T2—had stood as hazards, their rusted barriers and crumbling structures posing risks to drivers amid peak traffic. Despite repeated appeals from Đồng Nai’s Construction Department, the project stalled due to unresolved legal and logistical hurdles, leaving the road vulnerable to accidents.
The toll stations, part of a 2016 infrastructure project, were left unattended as the original operator, BVEC, failed to maintain them. Local authorities warned that the deteriorating infrastructure could lead to collisions, especially given the highway’s daily traffic of nearly 70,000 vehicles. Yet, without a clear mandate or funding, removal efforts remained stalled until early 2026.
The delay underscored systemic challenges in managing outdated infrastructure. While the toll stations’ removal was finally approved, their abandonment highlighted broader issues in Vietnam’s road maintenance policies.
Demolition Begins with Handover to Authorities, T3 Already Removed
In early April 2026, workers from Đồng Nai’s Construction Department began dismantling the remnants of T1 and T2, following a formal handover to the IV Road Management Zone. The process included dismantling concrete pillars, removing signage, and clearing debris, with all materials to be repurposed or stored for future use. Meanwhile, the third toll station, T3, had already been dismantled in February 2026 by TP.HCM’s authorities, who had coordinated with local agencies to expedite its removal.
The demolition of T1 and T2 marked a critical step toward restoring safety on a route that spans 72 kilometers through Đồng Nai and TP.HCM. Officials emphasized that the work would take months to complete, as the structures required careful dismantling to avoid damaging nearby roads. The project also involved collaboration with the Vietnam Road Administration, which had long urged the removal of the stations to mitigate accident risks.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. The IV Road Management Zone noted that repurposing the salvaged materials would require additional funding, and the highway’s high traffic volume means any residual hazards could resurface.
High-Traffic Highway’s Safety Revival and Ongoing Maintenance Challenges
National Highway 51, which connects Đồng Nai to TP.HCM, has long been a lifeline for commuters and freight transport, with peak traffic surging past 70,000 vehicles daily. The removal of the abandoned toll stations is expected to reduce congestion and eliminate blind spots for drivers, though the highway’s sheer volume of traffic means ongoing maintenance will be critical. Officials warned that even after demolition, the road’s condition will require regular inspections to prevent future hazards.
The project’s completion is also a victory for local authorities, who had repeatedly pushed for the stations’ removal. However, the delay in action has raised questions about the efficiency of infrastructure management in Vietnam. Experts noted that the case underscores the need for clearer legal frameworks to address abandoned infrastructure, particularly in high-traffic zones.
With the toll stations cleared, the focus now shifts to ensuring the highway remains safe for its millions of daily users. The successful demolition of T1 and T2, alongside T3’s earlier removal, marks a turning point—but the fight to maintain Vietnam’s critical road networks is far from over.
Conclusion
The removal of the abandoned toll stations on National Highway 51 represents a hard-won victory for safety and infrastructure management, but it also highlights the persistent challenges of maintaining high-traffic roads in Vietnam. As the demolition nears completion, the focus remains on ensuring the highway’s continued reliability for millions of commuters and freight operators.
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