More than two months have passed since the historic flood in September 2024 severely damaged the Thac Nhat suspension bridge (Dong Hy district, Thai Nguyen) and closed it to traffic. This has disrupted the lives of hundreds of households on both banks.
As a long-time tea trader, Ms. Pham Thi Binh (Phu Nam 3 hamlet, Phu Do commune) said that Thac Nhat suspension bridge is a vital route, connecting the two banks of Dong Hy and Phu Luong districts. The bridge facilitates trade and saves travel time.
However, when the storm hit, the water level rose and the suspension bridge’s wind-bracing cables broke, causing a safety hazard. Since then, not only has travel become more difficult, but it has also affected people’s livelihoods.
"Although there are signs prohibiting crossing on both sides of the bridge, many people still risk their lives to cross, because if they take a detour to Trai Cai tea market, it will be dozens of kilometers further, wasting time and wasting gas.
The bridge has been broken for a long time but has not been repaired. If the bridge continues to be in this condition and is banned from use, people will face difficulties. Especially the small traders who often pass by here," Ms. Binh shared.
Sharing the same sentiment, Ms. Pham Thi Thu Thuy - the caretaker of Thac Nhat suspension bridge said that since the suspension bridge was banned from use due to damage, people's trading and travel activities have been paralyzed.
According to Ms. Thuy, although the suspension bridge is banned, there are still groups of people walking, following their goods across the bridge despite the lurking danger. To ensure safety, Ms. Thuy has used barbed wire and placed concrete stakes, but to no avail.
"There was a time when I fenced it off and locked it carefully, but it was still stolen. Even when I reminded people passing by on the bridge, not only did they not listen, they also scolded me, saying that if anything happened, they would be responsible.
I really hope that authorities at all levels will soon have a plan to repair this bridge as soon as possible so that travel and trade can return to normal. If it stays like this, it will be very frustrating," Ms. Thuy added.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Vu Van Mac - Chairman of Minh Lap Commune People's Committee said that currently, traveling on Thac Nhat suspension bridge is prohibited because the structure was damaged by storms and floods, causing insecurity for people and vehicles.
According to the Chairman of the People's Committee of Minh Lap commune, regarding the information reflecting the situation of people crossing the suspension bridge being prohibited, the commune has assigned the bridge management board to remind and ensure that no risks occur.
In response to people's expectations for the early repair of the bridge, Dong Hy District People's Committee issued Document No. 2086 reporting a proposal to support investment and repair costs for Thac Nhat suspension bridge.
Accordingly, the plan will replace the anti-sway system of the bridge deck, re-weld loose steel parts, tighten bolts, rust the bridge deck and columns... with a total estimated cost of 1 billion VND.
Thac Nhat suspension bridge crosses Cau river, connecting Dong Hy district and Phu Luong district. The bridge has a total investment of 6 billion VND. The project is designed with cable-stayed bridge, total length 110m, bridge width 2m, completed and put into use in 2015.
