After about 1 year and a day of operating the Phong Chau ferry/floating bridge to serve the people after the collapse of the old Phong Chau bridge on September 9, 2024, officers and soldiers of Brigade 249 - Engineering Corps have said goodbye to the people of Phu Tho province to return to their units after successfully completing their mission.
In the rainy, slightly chilly weather in Phu Tho province on the morning of October 24, many people and many students from Tam Nong commune, Van Xuan commune and neighboring communes with flags and flowers in hand came to theunar Newspaper of Brigade 249 at the Phong Chau pontoon bridge area to pay their respects and wave to bid farewell to the soldiers.
In recent months, the image of officers and soldiers of Brigade 249 trying to operate the Phong Chau ferry/ pontoon bridge with the simplicity, closeness and warmth in each action of the soldiers has left a deep impression on the people. The wishes, farewells and warm hugs that the people gave to the soldiers on today's farewell day are clear evidence of the above.
Mr. Bui Quang Bich - a resident of Tam Nong commune (old Huong Non commune) - sadly said: "My house is near Phong Chau pontoon bridge. I have been following the pontoon bridge operators for the past year. The Engineering soldiers who have worked hard for the people, we are very grateful and respectful. Military service with the people is like fish against water, today, after saying goodbye, everyone was very touched. We wish all officers and soldiers good health and to complete their assigned tasks well."
As Chairman of Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee Tran Duy Dong said, the construction of Phong Chau pontoon bridge not only solves the urgent traffic problem but is also a source of encouragement and strengthens the people's strong confidence in the armed forces, the Party and the State in all difficult situations, natural disasters and incidents.
Speaking to Lao Dong Newspaper reporter, Colonel Nguyen Dang Chien - Head of the Propaganda Department, Engineering Corps - said that after successfully completing the task of ensuring traffic at Phong Chau Wharf, today, Brigade 249 organized an order to march back to the unit in Ba Vi (Hanoi).
After reinforcing the wharf, installing it and putting it into operation, over the past year, Phong Chau pontoon bridge has served an average of 14,000 to 15,000 people and vehicles per day, a total of more than 5 million safe passes. Despite complex weather and hydrological conditions, officers and soldiers of Brigade 249 are still on duty 24/7, flexibly switching between using pontoon bridge or military ferry to ensure absolute safety and best service for the people.
With outstanding achievements, on August 21, 2025, the President signed a decision to confer the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces to Brigade 249. This is the third time the unit has been honored to receive this noble award.
Recently, Chairman of Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee Tran Duy Dong awarded certificates of merit and awards to collectives and individuals of Brigade 249 for their outstanding achievements in operating Phong Chau pontoon bridge and military ferries across the Red River.
