The design of the bridge comprises two parallel spans, separated by 11.8 meters, with each span having 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.
3D rendering of the Trang An Water Bridge.
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 the technical, financial, and construction condition constraints at the Trang An – Le Thai To intersection.
The provincial leaders of Ninh Binh acknowledged that, if realized, the water bridge would become a new symbol for Ninh Binh’s tourism, allowing tourist boats to glide on the water above while vehicles pass underneath. Nevertheless, technical challenges, high construction costs, and specific geographical and geological requirements made this option impractical.
While many locals expressed disappointment at the inability to materialize the one-of-a-kind water bridge idea, the choice to construct a solid bridge with an observation deck combined with a pedestrian bridge strikes a balance between technical factors, economic considerations, and symbolic value, adding a new scenic highlight to the Trang An – Hoa Lu heritage area.
