The new Phong Chau Bridge (Phu Tho Province) is under construction, linking Phuong Nguyen commune (Lam Thao District) to Van Xuan commune (Tam Nong District). Construction commenced in December 2024.
Previously, Typhoon Yagi on September 9, 2024, caused the collapse of two spans of the original Phong Chau Bridge over the Hong River, resulting in the disappearance of 8 people. To date, the bodies of 4 victims have been recovered.
The incident disrupted transportation between Lam Thao and Tam Nong districts, forcing residents to take significantly longer detours of 40-50 kilometers.
A temporary pontoon bridge was installed by the 249th Regiment, but fluctuating Hong River water levels frequently forced its closure. Traffic congestion was a recurring problem for commuters.
On December 21, 2024, the new bridge construction project began. The project, costing over 635 billion VND, is overseen by the Thang Long Project Management Board and executed by the Truong Son General Construction Corporation (Ministry of National Defence).
Our reporter observed the bridge construction site in mid-April, noting the intense activity of workers and numerous machinery and barges. The bridge’s initial structure is clearly visible after five months of construction.
Construction near the Hong River in Tam Nong District shows a major support pillar being framed and poured with concrete.
Construction in the river presented challenges, necessitating the use of numerous barges and cranes.
At the Lam Thao side of the construction site, the old bridge section (from pier T4 to pier T5) has been completely dismantled, and new piers are under construction.
Current low water levels expose the riverbed, allowing pier T5 to become more visible after days of construction.
The new bridge is expected to be approximately 652 meters long. This includes 383 meters of bridge span and connecting roads of 113 meters on the Lam Thao side and 155 meters on the Tam Nong side.
Many parts of the project are progressing ahead of schedule, with the bridge piers taking shape.
Piers T1 and T2 are now complete after five months of work and are ready for the installation of the bridge beams.
The completed Phong Chau Bridge will have a width of 20.5 meters, including 4 lanes for motor vehicles and 2 lanes for other vehicles. It is anticipated that the first bridge beams will be placed between piers T1 and T2 in mid-April.
The most challenging aspects of construction – piling, concrete pouring for piers T4 and T5 – are largely completed before the April high water season.
With this progress, project managers aim for the bridge to be completed in time for National Day (September 2nd). The bridge is expected to open before December this year.
