Through the test of time, the bridge was in a seriously deteriorated state. The last time the bridge was completely refurbished was 14 years ago. Another complete maintenance may help to preserve this special treasure of Hanoi. 

Built in 1898 and inaugurated on February 28, 1902, the bridge is 2290 meters long. It consists of 19 spans placed on 20 forty-meter-high pillars.

Being the first-ever steel bridge spanning over Hanoi’s Red River, Long Bien Bridge is considered an important historical relic that witnessed the ups and downs of the capital through the two anti-French and anti-American wars.

The Hanoi Times’ reporters noted that many workers from Ha Hai Railway JSC had started their work in the early morning of September 30. The maintenance is expected to be completed by November.

The maintenance of the bridge is made by 40 workers who are divided into four teams.

According to To Dinh Lang – Deputy of Safety Engineering Department, Ha Hai Railway JSC., the maintenance will focus on two main objectives namely painting the entire bridge railing and replacing the degraded sleepers.

For the bridge handrail painting, workers will first clean the rust and old paint, then add an anti-rust layer. Finally, the bridge will be completely covered with another two coats of paint.

The red paint is being applied over the gray anti-rust paint.

These sleepers will be thoroughly checked and replaced if necessary.