Dalat traffic after losing the "title" of a city without red lights

(Dan Tri) - The number of vehicles in Da Lat is increasing, so the authorities have to upgrade the traffic infrastructure. In particular, the city has lost its "title" of no red lights, which has made many residents and tourists regretful.

At the end of 2021, Lam Dong provincial authorities officially installed a traffic light system (green light, red light) at 7 intersections in the center of Da Lat city. The total investment cost for this system at that time was about 140 billion VND.

Mr. Nguyen Van Gia, Director of the Department of Transport of Lam Dong province, said that before installing the traffic light system, Lam Dong province consulted and got opinions from experts and people.

Traffic lights at an intersection in the center of Da Lat city (Photo: Minh Hau).

At that time, many people supported the construction of traffic lights, but there were also many people who opposed it because they were afraid that Da Lat would lose its "title" of a city without traffic lights.

In early 2022, the traffic light system at 7 intersections in the center of Da Lat city officially came into operation.

"On each traffic light pole, the authorities designed stylized apricot petals surrounding the light bulb to create a highlight, suitable for the landscape and space of Da Lat," Mr. Nguyen Van Gia shared.

According to the leader of Lam Dong Department of Transport, before installing traffic lights, 7 intersections in the center of Da Lat city had roundabouts to ensure safety for traffic.

Stylized apricot blossom petals surround traffic lights to create a highlight for Da Lat city (Photo: Minh Hau).

This infrastructure only meets the needs of people on normal days. On holidays, Tet, and weekends, due to the large volume of vehicles coming to Da Lat, congestion and gridlock often occur.

"Installing traffic lights is to suit the actual situation. Currently, there are traffic lights so traffic is more convenient and safer," said Mr. Gia.

Mr. Le Van Vy, resident of Ward 2, Da Lat City, said that locals and tourists often compare Da Lat to a city of "3 no's": no cyclo, no traffic lights, no air conditioning. For a long time, these "titles" have become the city's characteristics, deeply ingrained in the subconscious and culture of Da Lat people.

"Currently, the city has lost its "title" of no traffic lights, and many residents and tourists still regret it. However, the traffic infrastructure must change to accommodate the increasing flow of people and vehicles. Now the streets are wider, making travel more convenient," said Mr. Vy.

Major Nguyen Huynh Quoc Trung, Head of the Traffic Police - Order Team, Da Lat City Police, said that when the traffic light system was put into operation, movement on the streets became more orderly, convenient and safer. The problem of traffic congestion at intersections in the past has been basically resolved.

Traffic police of Da Lat City Police on duty to regulate traffic at Lam Vien Square area (Photo: Minh Hau).

"In the past, when the city did not have traffic lights, we had to arrange forces to the intersections to regulate traffic, which was very difficult. Now, the intersections have lights, so traffic collisions and congestion rarely occur, especially on holidays and Tet," Major Trung shared.

7 traffic lights are installed at intersections of Da Lat city including: Kim Cuc intersection (Tran Hung Dao, 3/4, Ho Tung Mau, Khoi Nghia Bac Son, road down to Lam Vien square);

Tran Phu, Ba Trieu and Dao Duy Tu intersection;

Intersection of Dinh Tien Hoang, Tran Nhan Tong, Phu Dong Thien Vuong, Nguyen Cong Tru, Bui Thi Xuan;

Hung Vuong and Tran Quy Cap intersection;

Hai Thuong Interchange, February 3;

Hoang Van Thu Intersection, February 3;

Phan Chu Trinh, Lu Gia and Nguyen Dinh Chieu intersection.

According to Major Nguyen Huynh Quoc Trung, in the coming time, authorities will install 7 more traffic lights in the city.

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Source: https://dantri.com.vn/xa-hoi/giao-thong-da-lat-sau-khi-mat-danh-hieu-thanh-pho-khong-den-do-20250117082201292.htm