(VOVworld) – Hanoi has become more modernized in recent years with an increasing number of bridges. The bridges- Long Bien (the oldest one), Thang Long, Chuong Duong, Thanh Tri, Vinh Tuy and Dong Tru (the most recent one) - are a testimony to the dynamism and determination of Hanoians to grow.
Long Bien bridge |
Life in Hanoi has changed dramatically but no Hanoian wants to give up the 100-year-old Long Bien bridge, which resembles a dragon spanning the Red River. It is not only a symbol of Hanoi but an outdoor museum of the capital city’s history. But Hanoi needs more than one bridge. In 1985, the Thang Long bridge was inaugurated after 10 years of construction. It became a symbol of friendship between Vietnam and the Soviet Union. The same year the Chuong Duong bridge was opened to traffic just 2 km from the Long Bien bridge. Consisting of 11 spans, it was the first bridge designed and built by Vietnamese using materials left over from the construction of the Thang Long bridge. In addition to easing the traffic overload on the Long Bien bridge, the Chuong Duong bridge has become a symbol of Vietnamese intelligence and creativity. Ha Dinh Can is a former Director of Bridge Company No 12, which was in charge of constructing the Chuong Duong bridge: "With our determination and responsibility for the nation, we mobilized our best employees to build the Chuong Duong bridge. We worked tirelessly day and night. We did our best to complete the work. On the inauguration day of the bridge, Hanoians were overjoyed. Together with the Thang Long Bridge, the Chuong Duong bridge now carries traffic between Hanoi and other provinces”.
Thang Long bridge
Three bridges over the Red River were not enough for the growing city, especially after the northern key economic zone was established. Industry in Hai Phong, Quang Ninh and Vinh Phuc province grew so rapidly that the flow of goods through Hanoi quickly exceeded the capacity of the Chuong Duong bridge. More bridges were needed. In 2007, Thanh Tri bridge was inaugurated. Its 6 lanes became the main route between eastern Hanoi and National Highway 1A. In 2010, the Vinh Tuy bridge was opened to traffic connecting the center of Hanoi with National Highway 5 to Hai Phong and Quang Ninh. Nguyen Xuan Thao is a resident of Hanoi’s Long Bien district: “In recent years, Hanoi’s infrastructure has grown rapidly. Highways, ring roads and bridges have mushroomed in Hanoi. Everything is modern, strong and beautiful. We Hanoiains are very proud of our city and believe these bridges will boost Hanoi’s development”.
Chuong Duong bridge
Located on ring road No 3, the 9-km Nhat Tan Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in Vietnam. The 13 trillion VND bridge links Hanoi’s center with Noi Bai international airport. The work is almost complete and the bridge is expected to open soon. Dong Tru, the seventh bridge in Hanoi, was inaugurated on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Hanoi’s liberation. Together with the Nhat Tan bridge, the Dong Tru bridge constitutes the main axis of traffic in north Hanoi. Vũ Văn Vien is Director of the Hanoi Municipal Department of Transport: "Hanoi’s socio-economic achievements have been greatly highlighted by traffic infrastructure projects. Bridges have linked Hanoi with other provinces, boosting to the growth of Hanoi and the northern region”.
60 years after its liberation, Hanoi has become a modern city, a major economic, political and cultural center of Vietnam. Its bridges have been major contributors to this growth.
Thanh Tri bridge |