Hanoi nears start of construction on US$660-million Tran Hung Dao Bridge project

Ngoc Mai 17:14, 2024/02/29

Construction is scheduled to take two years, with an anticipated completion date in 2027.

The Hanoi authorities and investors are expeditiously finalizing the investment plan for the construction of the Tran Hung Dao Bridge, which is estimated to be VND16.3 trillion (US$661 million).

The design of the Tran Hung Dao Bridge.

Upon completion, the bridge will help to connect the central urban area with the northern part of the Red River, creating a riverfront image of the capital city that integrates cultural, commercial, financial, entertainment, and sports centers with historical spaces, landscape preservation, tourism, and more.

A new symbol in downtown Hanoi

The Tran Hung Dao Bridge project is located in the districts of Hoan Kiem (Phan Chu Trinh, Chương Dương wards), Hai Ba Trung (Bach Dang ward), and Long Bien (Long Bien, Bo De, Gia Thuy wards) in Hanoi.

The bridge starts at the intersection of Tran Hung Dao and Tran Thanh Tong Streets and ends at the junction with National Highway 5A (Nguyen Van Linh Street). The total length of the route is approximately 5.6 kilometers.

A representative of Him Lam Joint Stock Company (the project's preparatory unit) stated that the total land area for the project is around 75.5 hectares. The bridge is designed with a scale of 6 lanes for motorized vehicles, two lanes for bicycles, and two lanes for pedestrians, with a speed limit of 80 km/h. Major investments will be made in the technical infrastructure, traffic organization, landscaping, and other areas to ensure compliance with the latest standards.

Proposed PPP financing method

According to the plan, the project preparation and investment for the construction of the Tran Hung Dao Bridge will take place in 2023-2024, and the construction will start sometime in 2025-2027, with basic completion slated for 2027.

Nguyen Chi Cuong, Director of the Hanoi Traffic Construction Investment Project Management Board, stated that Tran Hung Dao Bridge plays a crucial role in connecting the two banks of the Red River, completing the capital's transport network, and creating a riverfront image of the capital city.

To ensure feasibility, the Project Management Board has proposed to the city to use public investment funds for Component 1. Component 2 will be implemented in the form of a PPP (public-private partnership), specifically a BOT (build-operate-transfer) contract with 50% of local budget funding and inclusion in the city's list of investment-attracting projects.

At a recent meeting on the Tran Hung Dao Bridge Project, Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Duong Duc Tuan instructed the Project Management Board to coordinate with the consultants and relevant agencies to study a suitable investment plan to ensure feasibility.

This includes considering the separation of the connecting road with Nguyen Van Linh Street as a separate project (to be implemented using public investment). The city also requested a clear definition of the investment mechanism and resources for the main bridge.

In the case of investing through the public-private partnership (PPP), the budget funds should not exceed 50% of the total investment amount.

"In terms of technical solutions, thorough research is needed on traffic connection solutions, connecting infrastructure at both ends of the bridge to ensure optimal traffic convenience," Tuan noted.

The preliminary total investment for the project is over VND16.3 trillion (US$661 million). Specifically, Component 1 of the project - compensation, support, and resettlement in the areas of three districts: Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung, and Long Bien – would require about VND6.4 trillion ($260 million). Component 2.1 - investment in the construction of the Tran Hung Dao Bridge and connecting roads on both ends of the bridge (excluding land clearance, landscaping, architectural lighting at the interchange, on the main bridge, and approach bridges) would be over VND8.1 trillion ($328.6 million). Component 2.2 - investment in the construction of the road section from Co Linh interchange to the endpoint of the project at Vu Duc Than Street (Gia Thuy ward, Long Bien district) would be over VND1.85 trillion ($75 million).

Previously, the Hanoi Traffic Construction Investment Project Management Board organized a competition for the architectural design of the Tran Hung Dao Bridge. The design with the code THD12 won the first prize for its concept of creating a new iconic bridge for downtown Hanoi, with the main arch structure consisting of two intersecting repeating curves forming an infinity symbol. This design was selected for investment and construction.