Hanoi's Department of Transport has submitted to the municipal government for approval of a plan to build three more bridges crossing the To Lich river for pedestrians and cyclists, the Government Portal reported.

Accordingly, the bridges will be built at 221 Nguyen Khang street, 79 Nguyen Khang street, and 169 Nguyen Ngoc Vu street, with an estimated length of 40 meters each.

A section of the To Lich river along with Lang street in Hanoi. Photo: Internet

The project aims at facilitating transport and reducing accidents along Lang street which runs along the To Lich river and at crossroads in the area, Deputy Director of the department Ngo Manh Tuan told Lao Dong News.

He stated that many housing and office buildings along Lang street are far away from bus stops, thus it is dangerous for bus passengers to reach their destinations after leaving the bus.
Tuan noted that more and more people are walking and riding bicycle along the downtown To Lich river so there is an increasing need to cross it but the number of bridges is still small.

Cost of construction of the three bridges is estimated at VND36 billion (US$1.56 million), of which more than VND28 billion (US$1.20 million) will be sourced from the city’s budget, Tuan said, adding that if approved, the bridges are slated for completion and put into operation next year.

The To Lich river, which connects to the West Lake, is one of the capital's main bodies of water. As a consequence of rapid urbanization and ineffective management, the river has been heavily polluted by untreated household and industrial waste.

The river has become infamous for its contaminated water and pungent smell. The Hanoi government has attempted to clean the river many times over the last decade but no concrete projects have been put forth.