Hanoi plans to build ten more big bridges across the Red River, hoping they will make up the "Miracle of the Red River".

Currently, after nine-month construction, Vinh Tuy Bridge phase 2 is about to be completed. More than 500 engineers and workers are currently working three shifts per day to speed up the progress and put the US$109 million bridge into operation from the second quarter of 2023.

Vinh Tuy 2 Bridge is under construction, which will contribute to shortening the distance from the old downtown area to the new central area. Photo: VOV

 Hanoi has been considering the architectural design of Tran Hung Dao Bridge. The project will not only contribute to relieving pressure on other bridges but also create a super connection between Hanoi’s core districts and the outskirt district of Gia Lam. This is also the area of the highest density of bridges spanning over the Red River with four big bridges within only five kilometers.

The bridges crossing the Red River which are about to be built include Tu Lien, new Thang Long, Thuong Cat, Hong Ha 9 and Van Phu, Me So, Ngoc Hoi, and Phu Xuyen.

According to Architect Bui Dinh Truong, an expert in urban planning, in Hanoi’s riverside city planning, the Red River is nestled in the heart of the capital city. On one side of the river, there is the Old Town, while New City, a modern, dynamic and vibrant new center with outstanding development in the future will be on the other side.

“The bridges play a very important role in expanding Hanoi’s urbanization to the East. This is also considered the foundation for the city to create a breakthrough in building “the miracle of the Red River” of the 21st century," Truong told The Hanoi Times.

According to Chairman of the Hanoi Bridge and Road Association Nguyen Xuan Tan, more bridges built over the Red River imply more opportunities for the development of urban areas along the river.

Hanoi is a land blessed with the Red River, which has brought a lot of advantages for the city’s socio-economic development. However, transportation between the north and south banks of the Red River still faces many difficulties due to the shortage of roads and bridges, Tan said.

He cited that the current bridges, which include Thang Long, Chuong Duong, Nhat Tan, Thanh Tri, Vinh Tuy, would never meet the needs of goods transportation as well as trade and socio-economic development of the capital city.

Chairman of the Hanoi Bridge and Road Association Nguyen Xuan Tan. Photo: Minh Tuong

It leads to an imbalance in urban development. The south bank develops very quickly, the population density is high, while the north bank, in spite of numerous potentials, has not been achieved the expected development due to the lack of connection with the core urban area.

Therefore, the city needs to build more bridges to create favorable conditions for the south bank to support the north bank of the Red River, aiming to achieve comprehensive and even development across the capital city.

In the coming time, when Hanoi completes the development planning on both sides of the Red River, the circulation cross-river transportation of goods and passengers will be further facilitated, as well as tourism development. If the investment in bridges is not paid due attention, it may affect Hanoi's riverside urban development strategy, Tan stressed.

“In my opinion, whenever possible, Hanoi should build more bridges over the Red River, to connect the traffic system, creating an equal development between the south and the north banks in terms of socio-economic development and culture. More bridges over the Red River are an opportunity for the development of urban areas along the river,” Tan told The Hanoi Times.

The construction of the bridge not only focuses on functionality and durability but also has to take into consideration the aesthetic aspects. Hanoi needs to build iconic bridges in terms of architecture, imbued with the culture of the thousand-year-old capital city.

However, finding the source of investment capital is a challenge for the city, Tan noted.

There are many forms of investment capital, especially private investment, which needs a clear and attractive mechanism to pour in bridge construction. Hanoi needs great support from the National Assembly and the Government in building mechanisms, removing difficulties, in order to open up capital for private investment.

Bridge construction must take into account the return of capital for the investor, ensure the balance of interests between the investor and the people, and gain the local people’s support, Tan said.