The design of the bridge consists of two parallel spans, 11.8 meters apart, with each span having a width of 16.5 meters. A 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 water passes over a road through a water channel, creating a striking landscape and tourist attraction.
This proposal included a request for a provincial budget support of 130 billion VND to develop 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 obstacles, financial matters, and unsuitable construction conditions at the Trang An – Le Thai To intersection.
The leaders of Ninh Binh Province evaluated that if realized, the water bridge would become a new symbol of Ninh Binh 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 unfeasible.
While many locals expressed disappointment about 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.
