The Vietnamese government has approved the investment of phase 2 of Vinh Tuy bridge crossing the Red river at a cost of over VND2.54 trillion (US$107 million), using Hanoi’s public investment fund, local media reported.

Illustrative photo.

The expansion of the bridge aims to meet growing travel demand between Hanoi’s downtown and the north and northeast region of the city.

Additionally, the project would lay foundation for the establishment of residential areas in the north of Hanoi, gradually completing the capital’s transport infrastructure network.

The total length of the bridge and the approach roadway is 3,504 meters with four lanes. The construction of the project is scheduled to kick off in 2020 and slated for completion in 2022.

Vinh Tuy bridge - phase 2 project was approved by the Hanoi People’s Committee in 2011. In 2017, the authority adjust the investment mechanism to build – transfer (BT) with Him Lam Joint Stock Company being the contractor.

However, Him Lam later withdrew as all BT projects remain on hold to wait for a new government decree, prompting the Hanoi People’s Committee to change the project to the category of public investment.

In addition to Vinh Tuy bridge, Hanoi is planning to build a number of bridges crossing the Red and Duong rivers, including Tu Lien bridge and approach roadway from Tu Lien bridge to Hanoi – Thai Nguyen expressway; Duong 2 bridge and approach roadway to Bac Ninh province; Tran Hung Dao bridge crossing the Red river; and Giang Bien bridge.