Ring Road 3.5 is identified as a key transportation route within the spatial development plan for Hanoi. Situated between Ring Road 3 and Ring Road 4, the route is designed not only to redistribute traffic flow but also to serve as a catalyst for the development of new urban areas, service hubs, and social infrastructure in the capital’s outskirts.
According to current plans and ongoing projects, the entire Ring Road 3.5 route spans approximately 53 km with a cross-sectional width ranging from 42 to 80 meters. It connects the Ngoc Hoi Bridge area with Thuong Cat Bridge, intersecting major transport arteries such as Phap Van, Xa La – Thanh Ha, National Highway 6, Thang Long Boulevard, and National Highway 32.
Connecting urban areas in western and southern Hanoi
A notable section of the route is the 5.5 km stretch of Ring Road 3.5 running from Thang Long Boulevard to National Highway 32. This project aims to enhance connectivity between the Hoai Duc district and the existing transport network, while simultaneously supporting urbanization and alleviating traffic pressure on the urban core.
In the south, the Ring Road 3.5 project includes a section stretching approximately 10.34 km from Phuc La – Van Phu to the Phap Van – Cau Gie Expressway. The completion of this section is expected to redistribute vehicle traffic and reduce congestion on radial routes—such as Quang Trung and Giai Phong—as well as on Ring Road 3.
Ngoc Hoi Bridge: A Key Link Across the Red River
Ngoc Hoi Bridge is a major project associated with Ring Road 3.5, designed to connect Hanoi with the Hung Yen region across the Red River.
According to documents from the Hanoi People’s Council, Ring Road 3.5 has a planned length of approximately 45.64 km within the Hanoi-Hung Yen connection corridor; the Ngoc Hoi Bridge and its approach roads play a crucial role in completing the route’s connectivity with southeastern Hanoi.
The project scope for the Ngoc Hoi Bridge and its approach roads covers a distance of approximately 7.5 km, comprising about 5.4 km on the Hanoi side and 2.1 km on the Hung Yen side. The main bridge and approach spans alone account for a length of approximately 7.2 km and a width of about 33 meters.
The role of Ring Road 3.5 extends beyond merely creating an additional traffic loop around Hanoi. Under the Hanoi Capital Master Plan (with a 100-year vision), the Ring Road 3.5 corridor is designated as an area for developing a synchronized, modern chain of new urban zones, alongside regional-level social infrastructure hubs such as healthcare, education, and commercial centers.
The route also serves as a transitional zone between the high-density urban areas located within Ring Road 3 and the eco-oriented development areas situated further out.
This indicates that Ring Road 3.5 has the potential to become a key axis shaping Hanoi’s new urban spatial structure, rather than being just a standard transportation project.
**Progress and ongoing sections**
As of 2026, Ring Road 3.5 has not yet formed a continuous route. Statistics updated in May 2026 show a total length of approximately 53 km; while about 15 km has been completed, many other sections are currently under construction, in the investment preparation stage, or stalled due to funding and land clearance issues.
The gradual completion of these sections will enhance connectivity between the western, southern, and eastern areas of Hanoi while providing alternative traffic routes to relieve pressure on currently overburdened roads.
**Ring Road 3.5 and the challenge of Hanoi’s future development**
As Hanoi continues to expand its urban footprint, the need for a transport network capable of linking new urban areas becomes increasingly evident. In this context, Ring Road 3.5 is expected to serve as a crucial intermediate infrastructure layer—facilitating inter-regional traffic while paving the way for urban expansion into the city’s outskirts. If implemented in tandem with radial routes, river crossings, and technical infrastructure systems, Ring Road 3.5 will help alleviate pressure on the city center, enhance connectivity between Hanoi and Hung Yen, and create new opportunities for future commercial, service, and urban development activities.
Thus, Ring Road 3.5 represents not merely a new route on Hanoi’s map, but a key component of the Capital’s urban spatial restructuring strategy for the years ahead.
