The VND550 billion (US$26.4 million) bridge is one of three built in response to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s urgent directive to separate railway and road traffice on bridges. The other bridges built were the Dong Nai Bridge in southern Dong Nai province and Tam Bac Bridge in northern Hai Phong city, which were put into operation on April 27.
All of the three old bridges were used by trains as well as other vehicles, which caused traffic congestion and posed high risks for accidents.
The new Thi Cau Bridge is 572 metres long and 16 metres wide and is designed for traffic speeds of 60kph. The old bridge will be upgraded and used exclusively for railway traffic.
It is hoped that the new bridge will prevent traffic jams, ensure traffic safety, contribute to socio-economic development in Bac Ninh and Bac Giang provinces, and boost trade between Hanoi and the two localities.
