The Reason Hoa Lu Abandoned the Dutch-Style Water Bridge Concept

The design of the bridge consists of two parallel spans, 11.8 meters apart; each span has a width of 16.5 meters. The unique feature is the pedestrian bridge and observation deck located between the two spans, with a width of 7.9 meters and a landscape architectural scale of approximately 163.84 square meters.

Previously, in late 2023, the People’s Committee of Ninh Binh City (now Hoa Lu) proposed a bold idea to build a “water bridge,” inspired by the Veluwemeer Water Bridge in the Netherlands, at the same location. A water bridge is a unique type of transportation infrastructure where a water channel crosses over a road, creating a striking landscape and tourism attraction.

This proposal included a request for a provincial budget support of 130 billion VND to implement a synchronized technical infrastructure system for the project. However, after consideration, the Department of Planning and Investment (now the Department of Finance) along with related units reported to the Provincial People’s Committee about technical, financial, and construction condition obstacles specific to the Trang An – Le Thai To intersection area.

The leaders of Ninh Binh Province evaluated that, if realized, the water bridge would become a new symbol of Ninh Binh tourism, with tourist boats gliding on the water above while vehicles pass underneath. Nevertheless, technical challenges, high construction costs, and specific geographical and geological requirements made this option impractical.

Although many locals expressed disappointment at the inability to materialize the one-of-a-kind water bridge idea, the choice of a solid bridge with an observation deck combined with a pedestrian bridge strikes a balance between technical factors, economics, and symbolic value, adding a new scenic highlight to the Trang An – Hoa Lu heritage area.