The new bridge was built on an emergency basis to replace the old Phong Chau Bridge, which was swept away by historic floods triggered by super typhoon Yagi in September 2024, causing severe human and material losses and disrupting traffic in the region.

Construction of the new bridge began on December 21, 2024, and was completed three months ahead of schedule. The bridge is more than 652 meters long and 20.5 meters wide, designed with four traffic lanes. The project had a total investment of over VND635 billion and was managed by the Thang Long Project Management Board under the Ministry of Construction.

The bridge’s main structure consists of three continuous spans made of pre-stressed reinforced concrete, constructed using the balanced cantilever method. Its foundations use bored piles to ensure stability against floods and natural disasters. The approach roads on both ends of the bridge meet Grade III delta road standards, with a design speed of 80 km/h.

Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called the bridge a special project that “witnessed both the tears of loss and pride and hope when the new bridge was completed.” He emphasised that the bridge is not only a solution to restore traffic and overcome disaster damage but also a symbol of the bond between the people, the Party, the State, and the Army.

The Prime Minister also commended the swift coordination of the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of National Defence, and local authorities, particularly Engineer Brigade 249, which maintained a temporary pontoon bridge for nearly a year to ensure uninterrupted traffic. He praised Army Corps 12 – Truong Son Construction Corporation for overcoming harsh weather and complex terrain to complete the project on time, safely, and with high quality.

With its opening, the bridge reconnects both banks of the Lo River between Tam Nong and Lam Thao communes, restores smooth traffic along National Highway 32C - a key artery linking the northern midland and mountainous provinces with the Red River Delta, and contributes to socio-economic development while strengthening defence and security in Phu Tho and the wider region.

Floodwaters wash away Phong Chau pontoon bridge in Northern Vietnam

VOV.VN - Violent floodwaters caused by rising and fast-flowing currents on the Red River swept away the Phong Chau pontoon bridge in the northern midland province of Phu Tho on June 11 morning.