After the historic flood in September 2024, many traffic bridges in Thai Nguyen were severely damaged, making it difficult for people to travel. At Lien Phuong suspension bridge in Van Lang commune, the anti-sway system was damaged, the bridge deck tilted upstream, posing many potential dangers.
Similar situation at Thac Nhat suspension bridge across Cau river, connecting Phu Luong and Dong Hy districts: Many columns and steel plates of the bridge deck are rusted and warped. The anti-vibration cables of the bridge are broken, posing high risks when passing through. It is known that this project has a total construction cost of about 6 billion VND with a cable-stayed design, total length of 110m, bridge deck width of 2m, completed and put into use in 2015.
Although degraded and unsafe, the local authorities have fenced off and placed warning signs. However, due to travel needs, many people and vehicles still accept the danger of crossing.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa (Dong Hy District) who regularly passes through Thac Nhat Bridge said that this is a vital route connecting the two localities. If not going through the bridge, one has to travel dozens of kilometers. In particular, many tea traders still have to travel across to exchange goods.
"The degraded bridge is very dangerous to drive on. Every time you cross it, it shakes, making it very unsafe. Even though there are warning signs, people still risk their lives to cross it to save time. I hope there will soon be a plan to repair and renovate the bridge so that travel is safer," said Ms. Hoa.
Talking to the reporter of Lao Dong Newspaper, Ms. Nguyen Thi Nguyet - Vice Chairman of Van Lang Commune People's Committee - said that recently, the provincial Department of Transport and related functional agencies have conducted surveys and inspections to propose plans to build new and repair a series of bridges. Of which, about 3 billion VND will be spent on repairing, constructing, replacing and supplementing the anti-sway system of the bridge deck, tightening bolts at the suspension bridges: Thac Nhat, Lien Phuong and Van Lang.
"In the coming time, the People's Committee of Dong Hy district plans to invest in building new and upgrading bridges in Na Tranh hamlet in Nam Hoa commune, Long Gian bridge in Khe Mo commune, Khe Tien bridge in Van Lang commune and Ban Doan Ket bridge in Hop Tien commune. The total cost is about 47 billion VND" - the leader added.
Previously, the Department of Transport of Thai Nguyen province completed the inspection of 86 bridges on traffic routes in the province. The inspection results showed that some bridges were degraded and potentially dangerous.
The checklist includes 86 bridges, including: Gia Bay; bridges on the Gang Thep dike; suspension bridges, bridges under the project of building bridges for people and managing local road assets. Of which, Song Cong City: 3 bridges, Thai Nguyen City: 5 bridges, Pho Yen City: 4 bridges, districts: Dong Hy: 6 bridges, Phu Luong: 15 bridges, Vo Nhai: 15 bridges, Dinh Hoa: 12 bridges, Phu Binh: 9 bridges, Dai Tu: 17 bridges. According to the assessment, the bridges are basically still in use, but maintenance is not regular.
The Department of Transport advises the Provincial People's Committee to direct localities to inspect, review, and evaluate bridge, road, and culvert works, and take measures to repair and reinforce works showing signs of deterioration and damage to ensure safety.
