As reported, from 6 p.m. on October 1, the Red River water rose and flowed rapidly, causing many trees and obstacles to get stuck and put pressure on the Phong Chau pontoon bridge, forcing authorities to temporarily remove the bridge to let the trees and obstacles drift away, while also cleaning up and carrying out other safety measures.
According to Lao Dong Newspaper reporters on the afternoon of October 2, after 1 day of Phong Chau pontoon bridge being temporarily out of service, the water level of the river section through this area is still high, turbid and flowing rapidly.
The offshore segments of Phong Chau pontoon bridge have been disassembled and gathered near the shore. Other vehicles and materials are also being gathered around the river wharf, ready to reinstall the pontoon bridge as soon as the river water recedes and all safety conditions are met.
Along with that, barriers have been set up at both ends of the road down to the wharf, people wanting to go to Phong Chau pontoon bridge will have to wait until further notice.
Currently, to cross the river, the nearest route for vehicles to travel is upstream of the Red River, across Ngoc Thap Bridge in Phu Tho town, a distance of about 15km.
Previously, on the morning of September 30, Phong Chau pontoon bridge was officially opened to traffic, serving the travel needs of the people. This temporary pontoon bridge allows non-motorized vehicles, motorbikes, scooters and cars with less than 7 seats to travel from 6am to 10pm every day.
Phong Chau pontoon bridge is a field pontoon bridge built by the 249th Engineering Brigade (Engineering Corps) to ensure smooth traffic after the Phong Chau bridge collapse on September 9.
