From 0:00 today (May 28), Long Bien Bridge officially reopens to traffic after nearly 2 months of temporarily suspending the operation of the road section to serve repairs, contributing to reducing traffic pressure in the central area of the Capital.
Recorded in the morning of the same day, streams of motorbikes and bicycles stretched across Long Bien bridge - a bridge more than a century old - creating a familiar traffic rhythm after a period of interruption. At the beginning of the bridge in the inner city, from early morning many people chose to travel across the bridge instead of going around other routes as before.
During the temporary suspension of exploitation of the bridge, many people have to travel across Chuong Duong bridge or nearby routes, causing the distance to be extended and travel time to increase by about 15-20 minutes per day.
Knowing about the bridge opening, I proactively went to work early to cross the bridge. Traveling is much more convenient, no longer crowded like before," Ms. Nguyen Thu Trang, an office worker in the Old Quarter, shared.
Not only workers, many small traders and freelancers also expressed excitement when traffic between the two banks of the Red River was restored. Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, who specializes in transporting agricultural products from Gia Lam to the inner city, said that the reopening of the bridge significantly shortens transportation time, makes goods fresher and makes trading more convenient.
In nearly 2 months of repairs, traffic volume rushed to Chuong Duong and Vinh Tuy bridges, causing many roads such as Nguyen Van Cu, Tran Nhat Duat, Tran Quang Khai, Minh Khai to be frequently congested, especially during peak hours.
According to records, on the first day of reopening traffic, vehicle traffic was distributed more reasonably, and congestion on some roads leading to Chuong Duong bridge decreased significantly.
Although not a bridge with large operating capacity, Long Bien Bridge still plays an important role in the capital's traffic network, especially for motorbikes, bicycles and people in the eastern area of the city.
Besides its traffic significance, Long Bien Bridge is also a project with special historical value of Hanoi. On the first day of reopening, many people stopped on the bridge to admire the Red River, take photos and save familiar moments.
Ms. Nguyen Thanh Phuong (Bo De ward) said that the bridge being repaired and continuing to serve helps people feel more secure. "Long Bien Bridge is not only a traffic route but also a part of Hanoi's memory, which needs to be regularly maintained to both ensure safety and preserve historical value," Ms. Phuong said.
Representatives of Ha Hai Railway Joint Stock Company said that before being put back into operation, all items have been inspected and technically evaluated to ensure safety according to the plan.
The completion of repairs and putting Long Bien Bridge back into operation not only contributes to reducing congestion and improving traffic safety but also shows concern for the preservation of valuable infrastructure works of the Capital.
Long Bien Bridge was built in 1899 and completed in 1902, more than 1,691m long with 19 steel truss spans. After more than 120 years of operation, many items of the bridge have deteriorated and are being repaired periodically.
Most recently, from March 26 to May 27, 2026, the bridge was adjusted to organize traffic to serve the repair of the road section for motorbikes, rudimentary vehicles and pedestrians.
The return of Long Bien Bridge not only helps restore an important traffic route but also restores the familiar rhythm of life for people in the Capital after a period of waiting.
