The span’s 166m long steel arch, weighing nearly 1,100 tonnes, is the biggest and most complicated component of the Dragon Bridge structure, which required advanced modern technology and careful calculations for its installation.
The construction of the bridge began on July 19, 2009 with a total investment of nearly VND1,500 billion (US$72 million).
When it is completed in 2013, the dragon-shaped bridge will serve as the shortest link between Da Nang airport on the western side of the city and the beaches to the east. It will also help reduce congestion on the Han River and boost socio-economic development in the city.
The bridge consists of a 200m long main span, two 128m long side sections, a 72m span for the 'head of the dragon' and a 64m 'tail' section. It will be the sixth bridge across the Han River, providing six lanes for vehicle traffic and two 2.5m wide sidewalks for pedestrians.
The 666 metre long, 37.5 metre wide bridge is scheduled to be open to traffic on March 29, 2013 to mark the 38th anniversary of the liberation of Da Nang City.
