Two designs for the Tran Hung Dao bridge that will span the Red river and connect Hanoi’s districts of Hoan Kiem and Long Bien have been revealed, local media reported.

Perspective view of the first architectural option for Tran Hung Dao bridge. Photo: TEDI

On July 10, a representative from the Hanoi People's Committee said that the city has commissioned Transport Engineering Design Inc. (TEDI) to study the construction of the Tran Hung Dao bridge, requiring the design to be modern but still bear the traditional traits of the millennial capital city. Two approach roadways at both ends of the bridge must ensure effective connection with the road network in the area.

According to a TEDI study, the 5.5-kilometer bridge runs from the junction of Le Thanh Tong and Tran Thanh Tong streets in Hoan Kiem district to Nguyen Van Linh street or National Road 5 in Long Bien district.

TEDI is studying two options for the bridge architecture. The first one bears an Indochinese style, whose highlight would be the piers which would look like Hanoi’s ancient city gates.

The second option for Tran Hung Dao bridge. Photo: TEDI

In a second option, the highlight is the piers that simulate Tran Hung Dao's sword rising to the sky. In Vietnamese history, Tran Hung Dao was a brilliant military strategist who defeated two Mongol invasions and became a national and mythical hero.

In TEDI’s design, the bridge is 31-meter-wide with six-lane which would allow speed of up to 80 kilometers per hour.

The final architectural plan will be submitted to the Hanoi People's Committee before October 2020. The municipal government will set up an architectural council to evaluate and appraise the options proposed by the consultant.

According to the transport plan to 2030, Hanoi will have 18 bridges crossing the Red river. At present, there are eight bridges, including: Thang Long, Chuong Duong, Vinh Tuy (phase 1), Thanh Tri, Nhat Tan, Vinh Thinh, Long Bien, Viet Tri - Ba Vi.

Tran Hung Dao bridge has been included in a general construction plan for Hanoi city by 2030 with a vision to 2050 approved by the Prime Minister in 2011. The project is estimated to cost VND9 trillion (US$391 million).